UNMET EXPECTATIONS

The victims of this joy stealer, titled unmet expectations, are many. We make a huge mistake believing that other people or circumstances have the power to make us whole or happy. We forget that although we are imperfect people who live in an imperfect world, we expect perfection. We expect a promotion at work, our kids always to make good choices, and others always to be there when we need them. Problems arise when we look to anyone or anything other than God to fulfill our needs. Many marriages have been destroyed when the husband or wife feels their spouse is responsible for their happiness.

Years ago, I read a story about a missionary couple who had faithfully served others their entire lives in a remote, third-world country. The time had come for them to pass the baton and return home to the United States. After the plane landed, they looked out the window and saw a group of smiling people gathered around. The husband was overjoyed to see so many there to welcome them back. His joy was short lived when they got off the plane and realized the group wasn’t waiting for them but for a celebrity who was onboard their flight. With tears in his eyes and his expectations shattered, the husband whispered to his wife, “Not one person showed up for us, not a single one. Why? We’ve given our whole life for others and this is our reward?” The wife lovingly took her husband’s arm and gently reminded him of a glorious truth. “Honey, we aren’t home yet.”

The Bible tells us no eye has seen or no ear has heard all the wonderful things God has in store for His children, but we need to remember that we aren’t home yet. Someday, our expectations will be exceedingly, abundantly met. In the meantime, we are being trained for eternity and trained to trust Him in every situation. Our story is still being written, so let’s refuse to allow unmet expectations to rob us of our joy because the best is yet to come.

CONSIDER THIS:

“Expectation is the root of all heartache” - William Shakespeare