Hey Fam, I am here! I had no intentions of making my first blog post of the year in 3rd month. However, I have learned to embrace the art of flexibility as things around me seem to be changing at an uncontrollable rate.
I wanted my post today to touch a bit on expectations. Growing up this was a very tough concept for me to grasp. I always thought that expectations I had of others were only fair because how could loving people be or do any less than the standard I had set? My mom used to always warn me about getting hurt by people because I had such high expectations. Her words then didn't make a lot of sense to me. But in hindsight, I completely see it! I had expectations of perfection from imperfect people around me, including myself. I know I had said this before, but my humanity used to shock me a lot more than it does now. All this to say, I learned lesson after lesson about misplaced expectations.
I think of how Samuel went to the house of Jesse to anoint the next king of Israel. Jesse lined up all his sons except one, the youngest and the least likely to be king. You can read the full story in 1 Samuel 16. But, the part that struck my heart is when God discloses His heart to Samuel. "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 .. How amazing is this?
Another one that always brings me to a complete halt is how the Messiah was anticipated to be a warrior, a fighter. He was expected to be the one to physically free the Jewish people from the rule of the Romans. Instead, Jesus Christ, The Messiah, came as a baby born to a humble young girl. This slays me...
I guess in saying all this the two underlying points I have are as follows:
1. Do not put people on a pedestal. Do not expect people to be perfect and never disappoint you because ONLY GOD can be and do that. And when people or you yourself fall short, don't be too shocked. Forgive/Repent and move on!
2. Do not place God in a small box that your imagination put around Him. He is bigger and is able to do exceedingly abundantly far beyond our expectations. He can shock and surprise you with grand or super humble things. You might see and find God in places or people you least expect.
How then should we proceed? In my short life, I have learned to serve and love others without expecting anything in return. My husband has taught me a lot in this area. He is a master at not having misplaced expectations. Conversely, I challenge you to put all your expectations and trust in the Lord. In fact, I dare you, trust God completely and see if He will fail you. You will wait a lifetime and then more...He will never fail you.
I leave you with these verses because they encourage me every time!
"20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20 - 21
"5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5 - 6
Stay Blessed<3
Comments
Post a Comment