Just Another Thought

I mentioned in the last blog that we often become discouraged and even disillusioned in our walk with Christ when we base how well, or not well, things are going based on our personal expectations. When our expectations aren't met we often think God is not working. We become frustrated and our decisions and thoughts can take a turn that God is not in.  God has never asked me if my expectations are being met - He has asked me to stay the course, follow Him and trust Him.

Here's something else about expectations.  Sometimes we try to live by the expectations others have for us. It's another dangerous place to be. When we do that we no longer ask God what He wants - instead we make decisions based on what others expect of us. We begin to live our life based on people, not God. We even begin to doubt ourselves thinking we can never live up to the expectations others place on us. We literally paralyze ourselves in accomplishing God's plan for us when we live by expectations. Again, I encourage you today quit living in your Expectations or the Expectations of others - begin living Expecting God to work in you first and then through you.

Peter is a great example. He expected to live true to Jesus no matter the cost. Jesus told Peter that before the day ended he [Peter] would deny Him. Peter said no way, I'l never do that . . . until after it happened and the words of Jesus rang out in his memory. Peter tried to live in his own power, and in his expectations. Jesus showed him how important it is to live 'In Christ' and not our expectations.

Team Hoyt is another expample, have you ever heard of them? It's a father/son duo running team. They have completed hundreds of marathons, 10K's, Ironman competitions and other running exploits. They have even run across the US. The kicker is only one of them can run. Dick the dad runs, while Rick the son is confined to a wheelchair.  Dick is the strength and Rick is the heart. Rick sustained life threatening injuries during childbirth and has never been able to run or walk. No one gave him hope to accomplish anything in life - but he decided he would not live up to Expectations, he's lived well beyond the Expectations people have had for him. He graduated from High School and college and Team Hoyt began running and they haven't stopped since. What an incredible illustration for us, if we will dream Expecting God to do great things and rely on His - Jesus - strength, no Expectation will stop us when God is in control.

Application

1. Are you living confined by Expectations - let them go and Expect God to do great things!

2. Do you feel discouraged or frustrated because things haven't gone like you expected? If so, God has brought you to this point to show you that you can't accomplish His plan - give God the helm of your life again.

3. List what you are Expecting God for and begin to pray for them. In the meantime, trust Him, enjoy the journey, make yourself completely available to Him and watch the favor of God at work in your life.