#1270. God wants to teach us to handle disappointment (15/5/25)
- Matt Beaney
- May 15
- 4 min read
Welcome to the Come to Jesus Daily Devotional. This week, I’m sharing a new devotional each weekday. Our reflections are inspired by themes from our recent church weekend away, and I pray they will encourage and challenge us.
Jonah’s frustration reveals how we can wrestle with our disappointment—even disappointment with God—and bring our raw emotions to Him in prayer.
To watch this devotional, select the link below:
‘But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” 4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”’ (Jonah 4:1-4).
1. To Jonah this seemed very wrong!
Why was Jonah angry? After all, he had just witnessed one of the most remarkable spiritual revivals in history! He proclaimed God’s warning to Nineveh, and the people responded with humility, fasting, and repentance—even the king urged the city:
“Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” (Jonah 3:8–9)
And God did relent:
“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.” (Jonah 3:10)
Most of us would rejoice at such a powerful move of God! But Jonah was furious. Why?
i. Jonah believed they didn’t deserve mercy.Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, a brutal enemy of Israel known for violence and cruelty. Jonah wanted justice, not grace.
ii. Jonah’s pride was wounded.His message of judgment didn’t come to pass, and perhaps he felt his reputation as a prophet had been dented.
iii. Jonah was prejudiced.As a member of God’s chosen people, Jonah had come to believe—wrongly—that others (especially Gentiles) were beyond God’s mercy. His anger was rooted in a kind of spiritual nationalism and even racism.
At the heart of it, Jonah’s anger reveals how offensive grace can be when it challenges our pride, prejudices, and narrow definitions of fairness. Gace can offend human pride and sense of fairness—especially when God shows mercy to people we think don’t deserve it!
2. He prayed to the Lord
Despite his frustration, Jonah did pray. His attitude was far from right—but at least he brought his complaint to God. This is vital. When we’re hurt, disappointed, or confused—even angry at God—He invites us to talk to Him.
It's easy to vent to others or stew in silence. But true healing begins when we pour out our hearts honestly before the Lord.
3. Is it right for you to be angry?
God responds to his rant with, ‘“Is it right for you to be angry?”’ As we bring ourselves honestly to God, He will begin to speak and correct us. When we’ve had enough, we need God’s voice. We need Him to speak into our hearts and minds.
Today, let’s ask ourselves:
How is my soul? Am I fed up—with life, with people, even with God?
Am I willing to talk honestly with God about my pain?
Do I believe He wants to speak, correct, and heal me?
Let’s pray together
“Father, you know the condition of my heart—even better than I do. Help me to recognise the wounds I carry and bring them to you. Speak into my disappointment. Heal me and use me to encourage others to find their healing in you. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
This study is inspired by our recent weekend away, where Henk Kirsten spoke to us. I’ve titled this series God Is Preparing Us. Over the weekend, Henk shared insights from the lives of Jacob, Jonah, and Jonathan with his young armour bearer. In each of these biblical characters, we see how God enlarged their faith and refined their character to prepare them for His greater purposes.
Discussion:
Read Jonah 4:1–11. What does God teach Jonah in this passage? What might He be teaching us through Jonah’s experience?
Read 1 Samuel 14:1–7. What does this story show us about acting on the “perhaps” of faith?
Read 1 Samuel 14:8–15. What can we learn about discerning God’s voice when we are seeking to do His will?
Reflect on the young armour bearer’s response. What does his attitude teach us about being an encouragement to others—especially to those stepping out in faith and leadership?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
Mission inspiration from the text - Is there anything from the theme of our weekend away that inspires us in our mission?
Share Stories – Have you had any recent experiences of Serving, Investing, or Inviting someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Discuss and pray for those you regularly engage with, including any ‘people of peace’ (* See note) in your life—those open to you and the gospel.
Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
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