Do we place expectations on one another? Is there someone in our life we expect to act or believe a certain way? If they don’t respond in a certain way to what we expect, then how do we feel?
Expectations can be good; yet, can be bad. If we place an expectation on another person to be a certain way, and they can’t deliver, then we get disappointed.
An expectation is defined as believing that something is going to happen or believing something should happen. Expectations are not bad in and of themselves, we all have them. They are a natural part of life.
The problem arises when we place too much weight on the expectation of others, and we live for their approval. Only our God can meet fully our expectations, not man!
What are you expecting in a certain relationship that you have with someone? Are you longing for that person to treat you differently? Are you dismissing them and moving on to the next person who can please you or fit into your expectancy?
In life, we must realize that we cannot please everyone, nor can everyone please us.
Parents sometimes place unrealistic expectations on their children and they grow up feeling like they must perform or please everyone.
What does the Bible say about expectations? I found this verse: “Creation itself waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.” (Romans 8: 18)
This type of expectation is a revealing, a longing, an eagerness to discover God’s children released in the glory. Yes, we should have expectations in God, this is good! He does keep His promises!
- Expectations can be a catalyst for revelations to be released.
As I continued to read Romans 8, I learned that the earth is awaiting for sons and daughters of God to be revealed so that they can go from groaning to the glory. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8: 18) Why? “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope, that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Romans 8: 20-21)
So what is this saying? The sin of Adam brought a curse upon the earth, so the earth did not experience the fullness of complete freedom and beauty as God intended; it is bound to decay and bondage. Sin damaged the glorious freedom that man was to experience as well.
- Sin brings death.
- Life in Christ brings new life.
- Creation is personified as a woman in labor waiting for the birth of her child.
One day our world will be completely restored and renewed when the New Heaven comes down restoring the New Earth.
Do we expect this transformation now, or are we just waiting for Jesus to return and to be restored again? God has so much more for us before He returns. There are things that are to be revealed inside of us, as the Spirit of God transforms and renews us in the “here and now!”
We must expect to be led by the Spirit of God and to live out our lives as more than conquerors, as Kingdom children of God.
Suffering and unmet expectations often become the avenue by which we may share in God’s glory. So, how do we arrive there? By…
Living A Life Through The Spirit
A life lived through the Spirit is a life lived for God. The life and the earth are crying out expecting to be free from any bondage. “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are Sons of God.” (Romans 8: 14)
As displayed in this chapter man is compared to creation. Why? We are part of the creation of God.
The Sons of God is defined as the Father of all who created all. His love is always extended to all, but not all children are His children as Sons of God. Being led by the Spirit into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ is the hallmark of living a life expectant with the life of God.
Kingdom-minded folks carry and deliver (are pregnant) with the plans and purposes of God.
As a child of God, we can expect Him to move on our behalf, but we should never put those expectations on other people. How do we remove those expectations that we put on others? I believe the keywords are “release and accept.”
- When we release an expectation from someone, we release that person and accept them, no matter the outcome.
- Accepting a person for who they are, even if they don’t meet our expectations, is releasing them to be who they are.
- If we expect someone to be a certain way, we are not accepting them to be who they are to be.
- Jesus created us all to be.
We have to remember that all unmet expectations that disappoint or torment us, were paid for on the cross.
People will never be able to meet all of our expectations. Only God can be in that role.
If we place that role on someone, we are placing our trust in them, and not God. Accepting people for who they are releases God to work in their lives and in ours.
Those things that torment us are obstacles that keep us from pursuing our role to serve.
Let’s face it. We all have character flaws and things we need to work on as the Holy Spirit points them out. Before we can be watchful, we must be willing, expecting Him to change us.
God has called us to watchfulness to be dressed and ready. If we are focused on our own unmet expectations, we won’t be watchful. We will be stuck in watching ourselves.
God wants His Kingdom children to expect the return of the Lord and to prepare for Him.
“The Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” (Luke 12: 40) The only one we should place our expectations on is Jesus.
You alone Lord are our expectation.
Expect Him to come into your situation, and into your world. He promises to come, “Be dressed and ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12: 35)
The Master, Jesus, reverses the normal role and serves the servants. “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when He comes. I tell you the truth, He will dress Himself to serve, will have them recline at the table, and will come and wait on them.”
Kingdom-minded children of God are the Lord’s servants as we serve one another.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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