Even within the Church, there are times when we can become discouraged because people let us down. Human nature being what it is, we may encounter moments when someone exercises poor judgment, acts unkindly, or reveals a personal shortcoming we never expected. Sometimes these disappointments can even impact our faith in God.

I was reminded of this not long ago when someone I’ve known made choices that were deeply hurtful, affecting both their own family and their church family. It was a sobering reminder that even those who should know better can fall short.

In those moments, we must remember a foundational truth:

People, sadly, will sometimes fail us—but God never does.

To illustrate this, consider the example of Ahithophel, the highly respected counselor to King David, known throughout Israel for his wisdom (2 Samuel 15:12; 1 Chronicles 27:33). Ahithophel was deeply affected by David’s grave sin—committing adultery with Bathsheba and arranging the death of her husband, Uriah. This was not just a moral failure; it was deeply personal. Bathsheba was Ahithophel’s granddaughter (2 Samuel 11:3; 2 Samuel 23:34).

Although David later repented, the bitterness and disappointment Ahithophel felt did not diminish. In time, this unresolved resentment led him to support Absalom’s conspiracy to overthrow David. Ahithophel’s counsel to Absalom shows how deeply personal his betrayal had become—he advised Absalom to strike quickly and kill only David, sparing everyone else:

“I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David… I would strike down only the king.” (2 Samuel 17:1–4)

When Absalom rejected his counsel, Ahithophel realized the rebellion would fail. Rather than turn to God, he returned home, put his affairs in order, and took his own life (2 Samuel 17:23)—a tragic end for a man once known for wisdom.

David later reflected on this painful betrayal in Psalm 55, expressing the heartbreak of being wounded not by an enemy, but by a trusted friend:

“For it is not an enemy who reproaches me…

But it was you, a man my equal,

My companion and my acquaintance.

We took sweet counsel together

And walked to the house of God in the throng.” - (Psalm 55:12–14)

David’s failure had consequences, and those around him were affected. But here is the lesson for us:

Ahithophel allowed disappointment in a human being to destroy his trust in God.

David’s temporary failure led to Ahithophel’s ruin.

In our own lives, we may encounter respected people who fall short. It is discouraging, and sometimes painful. But we must never let the shortcomings of others diminish our faith in the God who never fails.

Scripture reminds us:

“It is better to trust in the LORD

Than to put confidence in man.

It is better to trust in the LORD

Than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalm 118:8–9)

As we move forward, let’s not let any human failure ever cause us to lose our faith or our trust in God. People may disappoint—but God will never disappoint. He remains steadfast, faithful, and trustworthy in His love, His plan, and His promises.

May you have a peaceful, restful Sabbath—one that is truly a delight.