Healthy expectations

Everyone has expectations and we often judge how life is treating us based upon whether or not our expectations are being fulfilled or not.  Often when someone is saying they are having a bad day it means their day did not go as it was planned and the reverse is true as well.  I am having a good day because everything is falling into place.  Expectations are normal and I would encourage you to have expectations.  The question at this point is; are my expectation realistic and based upon the truth of God's Word or are they a pie in the sky and unrealistic wishes based upon a fautly understanding of God and the world that surrounds us.  A short blog cannot possibily answer all the various aspects of this topic but I do want to give three things that can help you to develop healthy expectations with a realistic opportunity to see them become part of your present reality.  First, as a believer in Jesus Christ we must begin and end with the character of God and the promises of His Word.  The proper foundation of an expectation will clearly bring about an increase of faith to believe that God is able to do what He said He would do.  Therefore I encourage you to pursue the knowledge of God to know God intimately and to learn His ways.  Second, take a good honest look at your present circumstances, your gifts and abilities, your support structure and then begin to ask God what His Word is saying about your present life and ask for a revelation of His will.  This is not easy to do because as humans we often think we already know what is best for us even before we ask God.  Within this step there are times we need outside help in order to obtain the proper discernment.  Third, one needs to develop an action plan.  The fulfillment of expectations are often the result of good hard work when it is done with the proper Christian attitude.  Let us not under estimate the importance of having the favor of God upon our lives to see our expectations become a reality.  May the God of all creation fill your heart with faith as you trust Him.

Pastor John