Throughout my life I have learned a lot of things by experience. I know that touching an electrical wire that is still “hot” will send a really painful feeling through you, I know that not going to the dentist on a regular basis will turn painful, I know that to have great friends, you must be a great friend and I know that just because it says the high is 70 in Colorado, doesn’t mean it will be warm all day. I have learned to expect things based on my experiences.
However, lately, I have been thinking about “expectations.” Are they good? Are they a set up for disaster? Or should we have expectations? Newton’s law of motion says that “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Newton’s law basically supports the “cause and effect” example. If I do “A” then the results will be “B”. Sounds very logical and linear and we can project certain expectations based on our knowledge. But what about expectations with people? or even God? These are not objects, but living beings with real emotions and feelings.
Many times over I have entered a relationship with certain expectations. More often than not, I have been hurt or disappointed because my expectations were not met. Even with God, I have expected Him to work in a certain way only to become hurt and experience doubt when He doesn’t do as I expected. So, where does “expectations” fit into relationships? Where does it fit with God? Is it a lack of faith not to expect?
Even as I wrote this, I have looked at many passages of scriptures and I am still processing my thoughts on this subject. I would love to hear what you have to s about this subject, but here are a few of mine:
- “Have Realistic Expectations” Unrealistic expectations are a set up for disaster. Keep in mind, what may be realistic to you, may not be for the other.
- “If God be for me, who can be against me” God is for me no matter what my circumstances may be. God is for me!
- “I will never leave you nor forsake you” Honestly, there are times I feel God has left me. He didn’t follow through exactly like I had planned, but that doesn’t mean he has left me.
- “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Trust is hard for me. I am still leaning to trust His ways, even if they are different from mine. I have asked for something specifically, but not received. God, help me to trust your ways.
- “Forgiveness” It is hard not to place expectations on people. People fail us and hurt us. The greatest advice I can give to someone who has been hurt by unfulfilled expectations is Forgive. Think about it, I am sure someone had an expectation of you that was not fulfilled.
I expect you have a few thoughts…. I would love to hear them.
