Tag Archive for: Disappointment

Gerhard Venter

When our Sports Teams let us down!

What a disappointment. Losing to the Australians is EINA! And then we go and to it twice – both in rugby and cricket. I was considering switching to become a soccer fan, but then realise that not only can’t they win, they can’t even do basic maths! No wonder we then turn and pack out Ellis Park for a local game. A good game for the Lions – outplaying the Springboks. Mmmmmm….

Made me think of dealing with disappointments. I had some flashbacks in the past few weeks of the Alan Donald one-run gemors way back. I literally couldn’t sleep that night, as if I was the one who missed the run and lost a drawn match. I had to ask the question to myself: How do I deal with disappointments? I mean, you just can’t win them all (it would help, though, to at least win a few, wouldn’t it?). But I wondered how I respond to disappointments such as losing a game, losing an argument, discovering someone was disloyal to me, hearing from the doctor there’s cancer … or whatever other disappointment I have to deal with.

I am trying (not always successfully!) to follow this advice:

  • Don’t lose perspective. What difference did this “thing” make? Does losing a quarter-final change my eternal destiny or my relationship with God? There’s more to life than soccer, cricket or some other entertainment.
  • Hold on to God. He will never leave us or forsake us – even when it “feels” like He did. Believe in Him; put your trust in Him.
  • Check your values and priorities. How important have other things become to me. Am I spending my life and energy on the things in life that really count, such as my relationship with God, time with my family, true joy in life?
  • Use the opportunity to grow stronger. Don’t let this thing get you down. Of course you must deal with it and of course you are disappointed. But can I become stronger, more mature and more focused after getting over my emotions?

Will all of this force me into not watching the games? Probably not. Will I be disappointed next time we lose. I guess I will. But maybe I’ve learned to grow in my relationship with God and focus on what really counts in life.

And please Lord, I know it doesn’t make any difference to your marvellous grace and salvation, but let’s just win something for a change!

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Gerhard Venter

Disappointments

Dr Gerhard Venter

The Soccer World Cup is over and, as expected, produced many exciting moments, highlights and opportunities. I, for one, enjoyed learning more about the game of soccer than I have ever known. It was great to attend a game to be caught up in the hype and excitement!

There was one moment of major disappointment for me, though. I almost had difficulty going to sleep after Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan missed the penalty in the dying moments of the quarter final against Uruguay, leading to them losing an opportunity to go through to the semi final. Now, if that’s how I felt, just image Gyan’s disappointment! And that of the Dutchman, Robben, after missing a one-on-one in the final. Eina!!

How does one deal with disappointments of such a magnitude – or any other disappointment for that matter? And how do we deal with it from a Christian perspective? I believe the disappointment that the prophet Samuel experienced with the sin and rejection of King Saul provides us with some guidelines to follow (you can read the story in 1 Samuel 2-15). Here are some pointers that helped me overcome some disappointments in my life: 

  • Acknowledge the disappointment. No use denying that it happened – simply tell yourself, someone else and even God about the way you feel. I think it’s what Samuel did (1 Sam 15:10-11).
  • Sort out what can be sorted out, such as asking forgiveness, repenting of sin and seeking reconciliation with others wherever possible.
  • Leave the past behind and move on. Samuel needed to learn to take his focus off Saul and to follow God’s new direction for Israel (1 Sam 16:1)
  • Trust God to lead you forward, perhaps in a new and fresh way. For Samuel it meant the (unexpected) appointment of the young David as the next king (1 Sam 16:12-13).
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