16 - Disappointment: Navigating Unmet Expectations

04/11/25 • 17 min

Christian leaders often face seasons where reality doesn't align with their expectations—even when those expectations are based on Godly promises and obedience. This episode explores the tension between our expectations and God's purposes, offering wisdom for those navigating disappointment while maintaining spiritual authority.

Key Topics Covered

The gap between expectations and reality in leadership
Four sources of suffering in the Christian life
Comparing Judas and Mary's responses to unmet expectations
How Jesus challenged the expectations of His followers
The unique opportunity to glorify God through difficult seasons
Strategic intercession that aligns with God's purposes rather than our agendas
The redemptive value of unexpected disappointments in leadership
How prayer shields sustain us when our own prayers feel weak

Scriptural Foundations

Hebrews 5:8 - Jesus learned obedience through suffering
John 6 - Jesus' hard teaching that caused many to leave
2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in jars of clay
Isaiah 43:7 - Created for God's glory
1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do everything for God's glory
1 Peter 1:6-7 - Trials showing genuineness of faith
John 17:4 - Jesus glorified the Father by completing His work

Resources Mentioned

Prayer Shield: A Guide to the Strategic Intercession You Need by Melanie Boudreau
Free ebook and audiobook available at strategicintercession.com

Looking for a written reference? The complete content of this episode is available as a blog post for deeper reflection and easy review: StrategicIntercession.com/016

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Key Topics Covered

The gap between expectations and reality in leadership
Four sources of suffering in the Christian life
Comparing Judas and Mary's responses to unmet expectations
How Jesus challenged the expectations of His followers
The unique opportunity to glorify God through difficult seasons
Strategic intercession that aligns with God's purposes rather than our agendas
The redemptive value of unexpected disappointments in leadership
How prayer shields sustain us when our own prayers feel weak

Scriptural Foundations

Hebrews 5:8 - Jesus learned obedience through suffering
John 6 - Jesus' hard teaching that caused many to leave
2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in jars of clay
Isaiah 43:7 - Created for God's glory
1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do everything for God's glory
1 Peter 1:6-7 - Trials showing genuineness of faith
John 17:4 - Jesus glorified the Father by completing His work

Resources Mentioned

Prayer Shield: A Guide to the Strategic Intercession You Need by Melanie Boudreau
Free ebook and audiobook available at strategicintercession.com

Looking for a written reference? The complete content of this episode is available as a blog post for deeper reflection and easy review: StrategicIntercession.com/016

Share your thoughts and questions on this topic with the community.

Support the show

Previous Episode

15 - Spiritual Warfare: Recognizing It, Responding To It

Kingdom leaders face meticulously designed spiritual attacks, not just difficult circumstances. Recognize the enemy's predatory tactics, establish proper prayer coverage, and exercise Christ-given authority for breakthrough.

Key Topics Covered

Recognizing spiritual warfare versus normal life challenges
The predatory nature of our spiritual enemy
Abiding with Christ through listening prayer to avoid unnecessary battles
Exercising authority against spiritual attacks that cannot be avoided
Spiritual warfare as targeted opposition to leaders and their assignments
The pregnancy metaphor for birthing Kingdom assignments
Prayer dependency modeled by Paul, David, and Jesus
Taking territory through strategic listening and obedience
Hand-to-hand combat through authoritative prayer
Evaluating and strengthening your prayer coverage

Scriptural Foundations

Zechariah 4:6 - "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit"
1 Peter 5:8 - The devil prowls like a roaring lion
Ephesians 6:19-20 - Paul requesting prayer support
Luke 5:16, 6:12 - Jesus withdrawing to pray
Matthew 26:38 - Jesus asking disciples to watch and pray
2 Samuel 5:19 - David inquiring of the Lord before battle
James 4:7 - Resist the devil and he will flee
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 - Weapons with divine power
Luke 10:19 - Authority to overcome enemy power
Matthew 8:16 - Jesus casting out spirits with a word
John 15:5 - Apart from me you can do nothing

Resources Mentioned

"Prayer Shield: A Guide to the Strategic Intercession You Need" by Melanie Boudreau (https://www.strategicintercession.com/resources)
"The Unseen Reality: A Panoramic View of Spiritual Warfare" by Nabeel Jabbour (https://a.co/d/bduv2rV)

Looking for a written reference? The complete content of this episode is available as a blog post for deeper reflection and easy review: StrategicIntercession.com/015

Share your thoughts and questions on this topic with the community.

Support the show

Strategic Intercession - 16 - Disappointment: Navigating Unmet Expectations

Transcript

00:01 Emcee:
Welcome to the Strategic Intercession Podcast, where we share powerful prayer techniques, inspiring stories and tools to help you lead with wisdom and confidence. Hosted by Melanie Boudreau, a seasoned leader in focused prayer. Whether you're leading in church, government, or business shaping your industry, this podcast is for you. Now, here's your host, Melanie Boudreau.
00:29 Melanie Boudreau:
Today we're going to talk about something that hits really close to home for