Title: Greater > Than: Overcoming Disappointments

Read 1 John 4:4

Commentary

Disappointment is part of life.

The real question is not if we will face disappointment, but how we will respond when it comes.

Many of us try to avoid setbacks, but Scripture reframes them:

Our disappointments can become God’s appointments.

What feels like a setback may actually be:

• A setup 
• A redirection 
• A moment of transformation 

1. The Reality of Disappointment

Commentary

Everyone faces disappointment.

Even after major victories, disappointment can still follow.

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think disappointment is so common in life? 
• What is a time when you expected something good—but it didn’t happen? 
• How do you usually respond in those moments? 

2. The Unexpected Setback

Read Exodus 15:19–25 

Commentary

Israel had just experienced a miraculous victory in their deliverance from Egypt.

Naturally, they assumed: 

“Everything from here will be easy.”

But only three days later… they faced a crisis.

They found water — but it was bitter.

• Marah = Bitterness / Rebellion

Discussion Questions

• Why do we often expect life to be easier after a breakthrough? 
• Have you ever gone from a “high moment” to a sudden disappointment? How did that affect your faith? 

3. When Expectations Collapse

Commentary

Imagine the shift from celebration → frustration. From faith → questioning

Disappointment often comes when:

• Expectations are high 
• Outcomes don’t match reality 

But here’s the truth:

• God is never caught off guard—even when we are.

Discussion Questions

• What makes disappointment so emotionally difficult? 
• How do unmet expectations affect your trust in God? 
• Where do you tend to turn when things don’t go your way? 

4. He gives us faith for the present.

Read John 20:19-22, John 21:14

Commentary

God gave Moses a simple instruction: 

Throw a tree into the water.

There was nothing special about the tree itself.

The miracle wasn’t in the object—it was in: 

The act of faith 

Hebrews 10:38, “The just shall live by faith.”

Discussion Questions

• Why does God often require an act of faith before a breakthrough? 
• What might have happened if Moses didn’t obey? 

5. Greater Than Your Disappointment

Commentary

1 John 4:4 

“He who is in you is greater…”

This means:

• Greater than your setback 
• Greater than your confusion 
• Greater than your disappointment 

The same God who brought Israel through the Red Sea was still with them at Marah.

Discussion Questions

• What does it practically mean that God is “greater” in your situation? 
• How can this truth change the way you view disappointment? 
• What would it look like to respond in faith instead of frustration? 

UPCOMING EVENTS + REMINDERS:

City College Discover Day:

If you’re interested in learning more about City College or City Bible School for the upcoming fall semester. Join us after Church on Sunday April 19 in the Young Adults "Vibe" room.

Kids City Baby Dedication

Baby dedication will be held on Saturday, May 2. Register at citychurchnola.life

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email address at which you would normally receive report reminders, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and Spirit-filled group!