About eight months ago, I wrote a post, “Joyful Expectations!” Easier said than done sometimes, but when we count the cost of all things, we have so much to be grateful for in life. On the other hand, when hopes and dreams don’t come to fruition, how do you handle it? Especially after praying over and over for them. For example, you expect a job promotion in two years, and ten years are gone by; how do you feel? All your friends have husbands and children, which is your desire, but it has not come to pass yet for you. What do you do? I can give several examples that lead to “Broken Expectations!”How do you handle it?
Usually, when something breaks, we try to fix it to the best of our ability. Sometimes a little glue works. A piece of tape, a hammer, and a nail may do the trick. However, those natural remedies cannot apply to our life. What can we do to change a broken situation, turn something negative into a positive, or restore our lost joy? Despite what is happening or not happening in our life, any problem can become bearable if we put our total trust in God. The Lord is our strength, the one who mends our broken hearts, the spiritual force that keeps us together. With God, there are no “Broken Expectations!”
In the end, when nothing seems to be going right for you, and everything you desire or plan for your life is going in the opposite direction, know it is time to let go and let God. Know that God’s plans for us may not be the same plans we have for ourselves, but they are always the right plans. Following His plans will give us the desires of our hearts that align with His will. Don’t we want to live in the will of God?
So, my sisters, don’t give up on your dreams; keep praying and trusting God. He is not only reliable but rewards those who diligently seek Him. He can turn “Broken Expectations!” into ones of joy! As the songwriter says, “Try Jesus! He is Alright!” And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “Remove the Barriers!”
Be encouraged, and God bless!
Sister Jackie
Great Question; great solution.
As I mature in Christ and in age, my response has changed tremendously.
I recall so many times in the pass I would pray and hope and plan and thank Him (repeatedly).
I still follow that order,, however, my prayers are quite different; I wholeheartedly believe that God always know what’s best for me and I pray His will by way of scripture.
I also learned that sometimes we have the “asking part”, but not the faith part.
(Faith without works is dead); If we ask for His will, ask in faith and wait, the answer will always come. We may not like the answer.
Patience is another variable we tend to overlook. Do we give up or waiver, too soon?
Patience has a perfect work.
I’m so glad that the good Lord didn’t give me everything I ask for.
Thanks Jackie and other responders.
You have brought forth so many excellent points. God does know what is best for us. All we must do is ask, have faith and enough patience to wait on His answer! Thank you so much for rendering those wonderful comments. May the all-knowing and all-powerful God be with you and grant your heart’s desires according to His compassionate will.
I forgot the part wherein time past, I would be disappointed if my expectations didn’t not come to fruition.
As we grow and mature in Christ our thinking becomes more aligned with His Word. Thank you again for your thoughtful comments. God bless you!
Love it! You summed it up for me in saying “Know that God’s plans for us may not be the same plans we have for ourselves, but they are always the right plans.”
It made me think of a scripture that often comes to me when it seems like all else, including myself and everybody else too, are failing “me”.
“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.” – Psalm 62:5
When this Scripture comes to me, it grounds me enough to be able to move forward or just to be still. For it reminds me to come to myself and take the “heat of expectation” off of myself and everybody else. Because, sometimes, without even thinking about it, I have already made a mental picture of “what” I am expecting, of how it will look, and how and when it will come, thus, sometimes, allowing anxiety a pathway, and putting hope in a fog.
I thank God that He reminds me that I am His “human” creation, and He alone is God, Lord of my whole being!
Thank you again for sharing Sis Jackie, for we all need encouragement and enlightenment sometimes. For none of us are “up” all the time, and none of us know it all, at any time.
May you be continually Blessed!
And Amen!!! Thank you for your enlightening comments. You summed it up nicely, “I have already made a mental picture of “what” I am expecting, of how it will look, and how and when it will come, thus, sometimes, allowing anxiety a pathway, and putting hope in a fog.” Thank you for always giving insightful and encouraging remarks to benefit us all. May the God of bountiful expectations lead you to blessings beyond your thinking. God bless you abundantly!