COMPLETE SERMON NOTES

Dealing with Disappointment and Regret

REGRET: a loss of confidence or enthusiasm. If our enemy can discourage us he can manipulate us –

Romantic Regrets — the one who got away. Relative Regrets —  disagreements or arguments that got out of hand. Education Regrets. Career Regrets. Financial Regrets. Parenting Regrets. Health Regrets.

• The devil wants to keep us in a state of regret; God wants us to use regret as a stepping stone: “but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…”

Maybe you’ve hit your rock-bottom moment. Maybe you’re there right now. If so, I’ve got good news for you: many times, God does His best work in our lives when we are at rock bottom. When you’re finally there, you know you’ve got nothing except what He can give you. And let me tell you, friend, that’s the best place to be. Embrace your rock-bottom moment. Realize that while you are at a very low point, possibly the lowest in your life, God doesn’t want you to stay there. As the Psalmist wrote, “I cried out to the LORD in my suffering, and He heard me. He set me free from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:6, NLT). Your greatest failure and lowest point—your rock-bottom moment—may very well be the precise time and place God is choosing to begin a great work in you…if you are willing to humble yourself and allow Him to start the process. (Embracing Rock Bottom)

Perspective changes everything: After all – it’s just how you look at things. A man was driving in the country one day and he saw an old man sitting on a fence watching the cars go by. Stopping to pass the time of day, the traveler said, “I never could stand living out here. You don’t see anything, and I’m sure you don’t travel like I do. I’m on the go all the time.” The old man on the fence looked down at the stranger and said, “I can’t see much difference in what I’m doing and what you’re doing. I sit on the fence and watch the cars go by and you sit in your car and watch the fences go by. It’s just the way you look at things.”

Paul has not yet gained Christ (vv. 8–11) by reaching perfection – he had many disappointments but he stayed focused on the goal of laying hold of it – he changed his perspective.

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

• Paul pressed on in “attitude” and “action”

• Forgetting is a mental discipline – don’t forget the lessons learned; don’t live in the past

• Paul is Maturing – growing through obedience and submission

• Unity is always a mark of maturity

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

What we’ve been discussing: Where the mind goes the feet follow –

1. “Take every thought captive”

2. Phil. 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble [HIGH MORAL PRINCIPLES], whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

This is why many are not living with PEACE

How do view God? Do you trust in Him…obey Him? How do you speak about your situations…your life?

• “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” Abraham Maslow quoted in Eating Problems for Breakfast by Tim Hansel, Word Publishing, 1988, p. 54.

Life will never be fulfilling until you change your perspective: Those with a deep sense of emptiness and feelings of inadequacy are not taking their “thoughts” captive…they are doing the opposite of everything we discussed.

I have great compassion for those going thru difficulty, but dwelling on it doesn’t help.

Romantic Regrets — the one who got away.

1. The grass is greener where you water it. We put more trust in our “feelings” than God’s sovereignty.

Relative Regrets / Parenting Regrets —  disagreements or arguments that got out of hand.

1. Some can’t be mended, but most of them can.

2. Regrets on how are children are living can be debilitating! THE PERFECT PARENT HAD REBELLIOUS KIDS

*MAKE THE CHANGES!

Education Regrets

1. A degree from the Master is far more valuable, but if you can finish something, do it. But first, ask the question, “WHY?”

Career Regrets

1. Really a status regret.

Financial Regrets

1. Apparently the average US citizen can expect to earn roughly 2.5 to 4 million dollars.

Health Regrets

1. We live in a body worth a trillion dollars yet we trash it and regret it later.

2. The body is screaming feed me – nourish me – i can rebuild and replenish and overcome

*LEARN FROM IT AND MAKE CHANGES – GOD DOESN’T JUST ADD; HE MULTIPLIES

Phil. 4 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

• In celebration of Michael Jordan’s 50th birthday in 2013, ESPN senior writer Wright Thompson spent time with M.J. Jordan laments, “I would give up everything now to go back and play the game of basketball,” Jordan laments. When asked how he copes with the devastating fact that he will never be who he was, Jordan states, “You don’t. You learn to live with it.” The man has left the court, but the addictions won’t leave the man. If Michael Jordan isn’t happy, fulfilled, and full of life what makes us think that we will be outside of God?

We need restore God to the highest position in our lives. He cannot help a man or woman who has dethroned Him in their heart. Take time now and give God His rightful place in your heart.

Instead of using discouragement to lead you to further despair, use it as a stepping stone.