“Unmet expectations breed frustrations.”
Lysa Terkeurst
I learned years ago that when my expectations are high, then there’s greater possible disappointment if the expectations are not met. If we have expectations of God, how we think He should act in a certain situation and He doesn’t, we can become offended.
Our expectations may encourage us to take on the role of a victim. Initially when John’s medical practice began to plummet, my expectations rose to the surface of my heart. I had believed our latter years would be easier, with less sacrifice involved. My expectation was to live in Omaha till we died and when it looked as if we needed to move to Wichita in order for John to keep practicing, I was not a happy camper! I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was offended by God and His plans for us at this stage in life. I needed to repent.
We can be offended by God because He didn’t meet our expectations. God didn’t do what we thought was best for us. He didn’t perform how we wanted Him to. The world doesn’t revolve around us; our lives are to turn around God and His desires. God doesn’t owe me or you anything. We’re the ones indebted to Him, for all He’s done for us.
God doesn’t just see the present, what is happening to us today. He’s the Alpha and Omega and sees the beginning and the end. The whole picture, not just one part, is His perspective. God knows what happened in our past and sees what will take place in our future. What if something you didn’t want to happen, in the long run, was actually better than what you originally desired, but at first glance didn’t appear that way?
It was no secret I didn’t want to move away from my family, friends, and church in Omaha. My heart grieved the loss and God stored up my many tears. But now that I’m on the other side of the view of what God wanted to do, I can see that my Father knows best. I’m grateful for all His goodness I’ve tasted as a result of the move to Wichita. He did and always does, have my best interest at heart.
“Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life” (Psalms 23:6a). No matter what our expectations are, this is the Truth, and we can expect that from God.
“If you give God your attention, He’ll always exceed your expectation.”
Steven Furtick
Relevant Reflection:
Are you offended by God for Him not meeting your expectations? If so, please repent.
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