Expectations

But as the Scriptures say, “No eye has ever seen and no ear has ever heard and it has never occurred to the human heart all the things God prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9 The Voice)

When something breaks down in your car, you take it to the shop with the expectation that it will soon be repaired. When you are in the mood for your favorite restaurant, you go with the expectation to leave full and satisfied. When we pray expectantly, we are anticipating God’s work in our life. In all these cases, expectation is good. On the other hand, expectations can also wreak havoc on relationships when they are unrealistic, unspoken, and/or not mutually agreed upon. For example, when you realize you have an expectation that you didn’t know was there until the behavior that was assumed went unmet. Case scenario:

Sally and Jake go for a date, and Sally has the expectation (because of her family of origin) that Jake will be a gentleman and open her car door because she has been taught that this represents to her that the gentleman respects her. This does not happen, and Sally begins to question Jake as to why… and conflict begins.

Expectations can be both good and bad. Scripture provides the ultimate example for expectancy into the Kingdom of God. Setting our expectations on the promises of God keeps our minds laser-focused and away from worldly distractions.

Tangible Takeaway:

It is important that we realize and understand that expectations can be both good and bad. Take some time to think of one example or scenario of each.

This is an excerpt from We’re Still in This by Susan Goss. If you are enjoying this series, consider purchasing a copy of this new book to bless someone that could use tangible words of encouragement. Shop all DaySpring Books and Devotionals.