Caring for Yourself While Serving God and OthersSýnishorn

Deadly Expectations

In our quest to honor God, it’s not uncommon to set unrealistic expectations for ourselves … or fall into the trap of another human’s expectations. Trying to live up to anything but God’s expectations can lead to an unhealthy and sometimes deadly pace of life, often culminating in stress and burnout.

Have you been there?

Are you there right now?

It’s important to ask ourselves: Am I living under the pressure of another person’s expectations? Or am I living according to God’s expectations?

The Bible details many accounts of people who did not honor what God told them to do, with disastrous consequences: Adam and Eve, Esau, Samson, Jonah, and many others.

But there are also examples of people who held firm to their convictions and honored God despite incredibly difficult circumstances: Job. Noah. Esther. Jesus. May we be encouraged by their faith and example!

Today, the Lord wants to help you attune your heart to Him and align your expectations with what He has called you to do.

Application

• Make a list of all the expectations you’re feeling weighed down by. Be sure to include those you’ve placed on yourself and what you may be feeling from others.
• Prayerfully review the list and ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize any “deadly expectations” that aren’t rooted in truth or reflect God’s character. Reading scripture, fasting, and seeking wise counsel from other believers can help you discern the Lord’s expectations above all others.
• Ask God to give you the courage to follow His expectations alone — and, if needed, to help you set boundaries to better protect your spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, and mental health.