John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

I have been a Christian for over 35 years. One of the saddest things I have seen is Christians who love God that end up destroyed. It happens all too often. The Bible is clear that the Devil’s end game is to steal from us, destroy us, and even kill us if possible. God’s desire is to always bring life, life to the fullest.

I have asked the question countless times, how does a person’s life get so messed up when once it was so good? How does the Devil come in and destroy?

Recently I heard Larry Kreider of Dove Christian Fellowship International in Lancaster, Pennsylvania talk about the steps to destruction. He talked about how no one is destroyed overnight. It is a process that starts with something simple. The process of destruction starts with not handling unmet expectations correctly.

What are unmet expectations?

This is when we think something is going to happen and it doesn’t.

This is when we think someone is going to do something and they don’t.

This is when we have a hard time accepting what is going on.

When we don’t handle unmet expectations correctly we get disappointed and it starts the process towards destruction.

Here are the 12 D’s to Destruction. They are in the order that they come into our life.

Disappointment – Because of expectations that didn’t happen. Very beginning of Bitterness.

Discontentment – Grass looks greener other places.  Negativity starts to occur.

Discouragement – Will it ever change?

Doubt – Start to question everything. Cynical.  Danger Zone Spiritually. Starting to lose your faith in God.

Disbelief – Final form of doubt. Lost faith in God working on your behalf.

Disillusionment – Wanting to Quit.

Deception –  Can’t see clearly anymore because God is not real to you anymore.

Disobedience –  Through Sins of omission or commission.

Discord – Spread bitterness and division to others.

Dysfunctional –  Messed up because God is no longer in center of life and affairs.

Despair –  You lose it. Some even consider suicide. Hopelessness.

Destruction – Destroyed. Ruined. Broken pieces in your life.

Destruction doesn’t just happen. It is a divorce from God’s viewpoint to another viewpoint. It starts by not properly handling disappointments. When disappointments come your way immediately go to God and receive grace from to handle them. Give Him your disappointments and forgive Him, yourself, and others where necessary. If you don’t a root of bitterness will immediately start growing in you.

We can get off the train to destruction at any time. It’s our choice. Everything starts with disappointment. Don’t let disappointment rule your life. End it with God’s grace, healing, and love. Thank God that He is still on the throne and let Him abort the destruction process and give us life.

Replace the path to Destruction by letting God Deliver you and bring you to your Destiny by quickly dealing with your disappointments!