Sobs pierce the predawn darkness on the narrow cobblestone street. One wonders if it is a drunk that is hunched over in the doorway. It is certainly someone who is emotionally overwhelmed. Such a well-built, well-kempt man does not normally weep so violently at this hour of the day. Observers wonder: “What could be so disturbing as to make a grown man cry like that?” “Does his behavior have anything to do with all the hub-bub that has been going on throughout the night at the nearby home of the retired, but still powerful, Jewish priest?”

Only God knows that this episode has been triggered by the simple crow of a rooster; a crow that Jesus himself had predicted. That early morning screech triggers a barrage of emotions, fueled by a cumulation of disappointments. This normally bold and courageous fisherman is venting his bitter disappointments. He is disappointed that His Master has been arrested. He is disappointed that his idea of how God was going to change the world for the better is unravelling. But, most of all, he is vocalizing his disappointment in himself; he had not summoned the courage to own up to being a friend of Jesus, when He needed him the most. Jesus knew Peter’s limitations, but Peter had just come face to face with them as he cursed and denied Jesus. Matthew explained it this way: “Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ And he went away, weeping bitterly.” (Matthew 26:27 nlt)

Two months later, on The Day of Pentecost, that same man has the courage to address thousands of people who have witnessed a powerful move of God, not far from where Peter cried in disappointment. His speech is the first sermon ever preached in the “Church Age.” It is a sermon of hope in which he explains that the people who appear drunk were actually “filled with the Holy Spirit,” as the prophet Joel had prophesied. How has such a disappointed man become so optimistic and hopeful?

First of all, Peter sees the resurrected Christ. Secondly, he and Jesus talk intimately, and Jesus reassures him that he can still live out his destiny. Jesus helps Peter turn his disappointment into a reappointment. Peter knows that the rest of his life will be different than he had imagined, but that God will still use him to help save many people who are willing to believe.

Nobody escapes life without their share of disappointments. They may be disappointed in their family of origin or in how they have been mistreated. They may be crushed by a broken vow, an untimely death, or a chronic illness.  Their greatest disappointment may be in that they have failed to live up to their own expectations. Their sense of failure may cause them to hide in work or an addiction. Disappointments might drive them to search for love and acceptance – in all the wrong places. They may find themselves weeping bitterly, like St. Peter did.

But, like Peter, their life can be changed. It starts by letting Jesus help them accept that the past cannot be changed, but that anyone can move on to their best life. God is all about second chances and fresh starts. Even people who make big, public blunders can find new direction and hope!  A few soul-searching conversations with Jesus, in which a person accepts their limitations and embraces God’s help, can turn a lifetime of disappointments into some wonderful reappointments.