EXPECTATIONS

I have recently been thinking a lot about “expectations.”

The Google definition that best represents expectations for me is:  “the act or state of looking forward or anticipating.”

• How many times do we live with expectations and are disappointed when what we want does not happen?
• How often are our expectations related to what we believe someone else should or will do for us?
• How realistic are our expectations?

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We can only influence one person: ourselves!

We cannot control others, so why do we place such emphasis on expecting things from others?

We should live in joyful expectation for only one person: God!

What if we live in expectation of God and His promises?

 

 

A few of His promises:

*God promises He is trustworthy.

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.  –Psalm 9:10  (NIV)

*God promises to guide us.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.  –Psalm 32:8  (NIV)

*God promises He will provide us with rest.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  –Mathew 11:28  (NLT)

 

What if we live…

• in expectation of God providing what we need when we need it?
• with seeing the moments of our lives as God’s provisions for us?
• always thanking God for what He provides for us daily when we have NO expectations?
• in awe of the blessings He orchestrates in our lives?

 

One of the greatest blessings I see in my life is when God orchestrates unexpected God moments, which surprise me. While working at my church’s soup kitchen, a lady shared she was enjoying my book. Two other ladies heard about it and bought books that day. A few weeks later, I received an email from the one lady wanting more copies to share. When I dropped the books off, we ended up talking for an hour and a half! It was the first time we ever conversed more than a casual, “Hello. How are you?” It was amazing to see what a small world it is as we discovered mutual family and friends.

For me, it was an unexpected blessing of Christian fellowship that only God could orchestrate. My heart was filled with love and thanksgiving to God for providing the lovely time to renew our spirits. It was an unexpected encounter.

 

This week be encouraged to…

• • • practice letting go of expectations from people.
    • wait expectantly to see what God provides.
    • praise God for His orchestration of events in your life.

  Are you up for a challenge this week?

• Let’s try to live, one day at a time, trying to release the expectations we have about what others should do for us.  Wait in joyful expectation for God to provide!

   

  My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.  –Psalm 62:5  (KJB)