Nov. 19, 2023

The God Who Disappoints: Embracing Lament and Unmet Expectations in Faith

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Show Notes

Discover how understanding the theme of disappointment in the Bible can transform your faith journey as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the realities of following a God who doesn't always meet our expectations. By exploring stories of biblical figures like John the Baptist, Moses, Jeremiah, and Mary, they unpack how the lament tradition plays a crucial role in navigating unmet expectations and suffering in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

• Disappointment as Part of Faith – Recognizing that faithful obedience to God doesn't always lead to worldly success or personal fulfillment.

• The Importance of Lament – Embracing lament as a biblical practice that allows us to express sorrow and protest within a covenant relationship with God.

• Biblical Examples of Unmet Expectations – Lessons from the lives of John the Baptist, Moses, Jeremiah, and Mary on dealing with disappointment when God's plans differ from ours.

• Reframing Expectations – Learning to surrender outcomes and find joy, faith, hope, and love amid suffering and unmet expectations.

• Rethinking Success and Blessing – Challenging the notion that following God results in prosperity and reevaluating what true blessing means in the context of faith.

Guest Highlights:

Seth Erre – Mike's son makes a lively and heartwarming appearance, adding authenticity and a personal touch to the conversation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Isaiah 35 and 61 – Prophecies about the Messiah and themes of healing and deliverance.

• Zechariah 9 – Messianic prophecy concerning the coming king and expectations of liberation.

• Book of Jeremiah – Insights into the prophetic calling and the struggles of unmet expectations.

• Lamentations and Habakkuk – Exploring the practice and importance of lament in scripture.

• Ecclesiastes – Reflections on the vaporous nature of life and the pursuit of meaning.

Join the conversation and explore how embracing lament can deepen your faith. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected and updated on future episodes.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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