Years ago, I spoke at a men’s retreat. Before my first session, a gentleman addressed the crowd. and rebuild their church. Three guys have signed up, and we need fifteen. That should be easy in a church the size of ours. Basically, I am concerned about the state of our church when I see such a lack of commitment.” His speech didn’t bring the desired response, because frankly, no one wants to be around a guy who’s bitter and angry. Yet we all can be susceptible to a similar attitude if we don’t deal with discouragement. Disappointment often results from unmet expectations. Interacting with a guy requires time and effort. We all want that guy to appreciate it and to respond. We want him to consider making some different life choices. If he doesn’t respond in the way we desire, we have to guard against disappointment. If we don’t handle that in a faith-filled way, we’re susceptible to negative attitudes, and 43 Monday—August 28•Unmet Expectations Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:9–10) “Guys, the mission trip is coming up. We’re planning to help this community rebuild houses we may simply quit trying. MIMBS 7 How does today’s featured Scripture passage prepare you to deal with the discouragement of unmet expectations? Daily Reading: Job 28:1–30:31, 2 Corinthians 2:12–17, Psalm 42:1–11, Proverbs 22:7 Tuesday—August 29•We’re All Firemen For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19:10) When a building is burning, you don’t expect firemen to stand around their truck. You’d ask, “Aren’t you going inside?” You wouldn’t be impressed if they replied, “No, visibility is limited because of the smoke, and we might get trapped by hazards. But we brought the right equipment. We’re ready to care for people, once they come out on their own.” That scenario seems ridiculous, yet many of us approach people that way when it comes to their spiritual health. “I’m here for you if you will accompany me to Bible study. I’m here for you if you’re ready for a deep conversation about your marriage. I’m here for you if you want to stop drinking so much. As soon as you come out of that burning building, I’m here to help.” Jesus stated His mission like this: “I came to seek and to save the lost.” If we want to follow His example, we can’t just care for people who come out on their own. We must be willing to go into their environment to find them. MIMBS 7 Which scenario comes closest to describing the way you reach out to other men. Are you like the firemen who are only willing to treat people who come out of the burning building on their own? Or are you going into their environment to find them? Give an example that supports your answer. Daily Reading: Job 31:1–33:33, 2 Corinthians 3:1–18, Psalm 43:1–5, Proverbs 22:8–9
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