Unmet Expectations and the Goodness of God

We all have expectations. Each day we wake up we have an expectation of how that day is going to go (whether big or small) and yet every day we face unmet expectations. The past few months the Lord has been teaching me that in spite of my expectations, God is the one who determines my path… and is to be trusted. That path isn’t always easy.  In fact, sometimes it’s really hard.  Sinners that we are, we too often focus on our desires outside of Him. Here’s a confession: It is impossible to be content with anything if focused on earthly desires and not on the God who gives grace. In fact when we realize that those are the only options, the circumstances of life show us where our desires are truly rooted! We must not find contentment in our circumstances and we must have faith in God who has allowed us to go through whatever we are facing.

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “IF ONLY__________then I would be happy”? Many times we think that if our circumstances were different then we would be happy or content. However, this is sinful thinking and will lead us down a path of wrong thinking that will make us discontent. When we ask the “what if’s”, we are not trusting God and allowing ourselves to think rightly about Him.  We know we will all face trials and afflictions in this life.  Yet many times they come as a surprise to us. Why is this? Well, our expectations of how we thought life was meant to be have been overturned.  We love and cherish our thoughts and ideas about how we see our life above that of the infinite mind of God.  As believers, we shouldn’t be surprised when we face trials.  Even when the unexpected takes us by surprise, we must trust that God’s sovereign plan has allowed it in our lives for good.  Why?  Because ultimately, it’s not about us and what our flesh craves.  It’s about bringing glory to Jesus Christ by trusting in the grace only He provides.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him. The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him… For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from heart or grieve the children of men." (Lamentations 3:22-25;31-33)

“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.” (Ps. 25:10)

What a good and loving God we serve that He is faithful to keep His promises to us and that He has compassion on us!! I am a sinner who has already been given more than I deserve, which is Christ who took my sin and declared me righteous that I might have eternal life with Him!! The Lord will not disappoint us if we put our hope and trust in Him.  I can say that I am so thankful for the trials the Lord has allowed in my life because through them they have grown me closer to Him and have caused me to realize how sinful my heart really is and my need of Christ. I pray that I would set my expectations and hope in Christ and trust Him that He will direct my steps.

I would encourage you to take some time to think about what expectations you might have and ask God to show you through His Word if these are right. Whatever circumstances the Lord is allowing in your life right now are to grow you and make you more like Him. We have to cling to the Lord and place our hope in Him and trust that He is good.  I pray that we can “count it all joy when we face trials of various kinds, for we know that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

Hope you all have a great week!

Love,
Brooke