Encouragement for When We DoubtSample

What Were You Expecting?

A third element can silently sabotage our faith and leave us questioning God’s love and purpose for our lives. It’s the element of misplaced expectations.

We see in John’s story that his doubts ran deep, revealing a profound struggle with misplaced expectations. In his prophetic role, John envisioned a Messiah who would usher in immediate change. He had preached of winnowing forks and the gathering of wheat into the barn. He anticipated that sin would be judged upon the Messiah’s arrival, and the kingdom of God would be established. But in prison, he wondered why these expected events had not unfolded.

Perhaps, like John, you’ve questioned God’s plan when things don’t align with your expectations. You’ve asked, “Why is this happening? Why isn’t God intervening as I anticipated?” We’ve all faced a struggle at some point – the tension between our limited understanding and God’s sovereign ways.

Consider those moments when you’ve stood firm in doing what is right, only to face criticism or rejection. Your heart may have whispered, “It shouldn’t be like this. People should recognize and appreciate my efforts.” These unmet expectations can lead to disillusionment and doubt.

Likewise, you may expect a life free from grief and sorrow. However, as we journey through this fallen world, we inevitably face the pain of losing loved ones. God never promised us an exemption from these heartaches.

Moreover, the pursuit of contentment can be muddled by misguided expectations of abundance. We live in a world that often equates success with material prosperity, leading us to anticipate more than life’s necessities. But God’s Word encourages us to find contentment even in the simplicity of having food and clothing.

So, how do we combat these misplaced expectations that can fuel doubt in our hearts? We must turn to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Rather than leaning on our understanding, we must trust God.

When our expectations are shattered, we must remember that God’s never waver. He did not promise a life devoid of challenges or suffering. Instead, He assured us of His presence through it all.

Let us recalibrate our expectations according to God’s Word. As we align our hearts with His truth, misplaced expectations will lose their power to sow doubt. May we find contentment in the rich promises of our Heavenly Father. We can step out of doubt’s shadow and into the radiant light of unwavering faith.