Godly Expectation

Friends, greetings in Jesus Name! Today, I will be sharing with you on what I title, “Godly Expectation”. The word expectation comes from the Latin word expectationem, meaning “an awaiting.” In a nutshell, expectation means the state of looking forward to or waiting for something. There is expectation based on the word of God (which is godly expectation); and there is equally expectation based on the world system (which is fleshly expectation). There is a saying that “expectation is the mother of all disappointments”. Yes! This is true according to the worldly expectations not based on the word of God. This type of expectation leads to frustration and disappointment because it is unrealistic. It is usually based on our human assumptions of what we expect from others. And when it does not happen, we feel disappointed.

For instance, “When a man and woman gets married, they both carry expectations into the marriage. The man may see evidence that his wife is a caring, kind, and patient person. He may form expectations about what she will be like as a great wife. Or perhaps his own mother was a great cook, and he expects his wife to possess the same culinary skills. If she does not turn out to be a patient wife or a particularly good cook, he may feel hurt and let down. In the same vein, a woman going into the marriage may see evidence that her husband to be has a good job and is well-liked by others. Thus, she forms an expectation that they will not likely have money or financial challenges. Then, if he loses his job or changes careers and they begin to struggle financially, she may resent him based on her expectation. Now, this couple will start dealing with hurtful feelings and resentment based entirely on what they had hoped would happen. Really, there was no prior promise made in either case, but they both still feel as if they’ve been deceived. Faulty expectations can create a lot of trouble in any relationship, be it parent/child, boss/employee, or friends. Any time there is mutual dependency, expectations exist, and, if those expectations are not met, conflict can be the result.”

But how then do we resolve this unrealistic expectations? It’s simple! Look unto God and not man. Jeremiah 17:5,7 says, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.” Due to hope in man, many have been kept on a waiting room for years without an answer. Unfortunately, they become hopeless because all hope in men have been dashed. Now, let’s focus on expectations based on Godly principles. I mean the expectations you have based on the promises of God. What does the bible mean when it says, “The expectations of the righteous shall not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18). It means that the desires of the righteous shall be granted” (Proverbs 10:24). Who are the righteous? Those in right standing with God. At all times, everyone is expecting something to happen. It is either an expectation for good things to come or for the worst to happen. Really, we are to manage our expectations based on God’s desires for us. Remember, Godly expectations hinges on faith. If you have a “fear filled” expectation, hoping for the worst to happen, like many faithless fokes are expecting right now as a result of COVID-19, then you have what you expect. But when your expectation is “faith filled” based on God’s word, you will have what you desire. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Therefore, have faith in God, and expect to see His promises come through in your life in Jesus Mighty Name (Mark 11:22-24). Have a fantastic week. With love, Elvis!