Recently I posted a short little message on social media about how we set ourselves up for heartbreak when we place our expectations upon people. People immediately responded and seemed to identify with the content, so I felt the Lord nudging me to expound deeper.
How many of us have expectations that are unmet? I would guess to say, “All of us!”
So how can we NOT position ourselves for disappointment and heartbreak?
Expect nothing from anyone; only put your trust in God, not people.
Much of the conflict, we encounter, is from expectations that are not met.
- No one person can fulfill all your dreams and meet your expectations.
Don’t “get your hopes up.” Why? Most expectations are based on a false premise or misreading evidence.
Boy, that sounds pretty negative, doesn’t it? I didn’t even like typing it! Here’s the point:
If we expect a certain response from a person and that doesn’t happen, it may cause heartache if they are not complying with what we think should be. Then the conflict arises.
Most of our relational conflict has arisen from unmet expectations.
Only expect God! This verse may help, “My soul, wait only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.” (Psalm 62: 5) This is how we can rest! Here are some:
Kingdom Principles For Forming Healthy Expectations And Dealing With Unmet Expectations
1) Communicate–Be open and honest about what you feel.
- If you are wrong, admit it.
- Don’t base your expectations on assumptions.
- Discuss with others what your expectations are.
- Check to see if they are reasonable or unreasonable.
“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” (Proverbs 18: 13)
2) Forgive–When Jesus came on the scene, the awaited Messiah, His people had some unrealistic expectations about Him and what He would do. Since He didn’t meet their expectations by freeing them from Rome, they became frustrated and angry that was enough to kill Him. Yet, Jesus forgave them.
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23: 34)
3) Love–Never expect or insist on your own way.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7)
- Choose to remember that people are different.
- If one cannot live up to our expectations, it is not their fault.
- Be flexible when you discover that your expectations of another person are unreasonable.
4) Expect And Trust God With Everything–He’s told us:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
- His promises are sound; expect Him to fulfill His Word.
- This is what faith is. Expect God to do what He says, “He’ll do!”
Here’s God’s History of Being Faithful. He has a proven track record!
“For all His promises are yes in Him. That is why it is through Him, that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.” (2 Corinthians 1: 20)
“Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” (Joshua 21: 45)
“Has His steadfast love forever ceased? Are His promises at an end for all time?” (Psalm 77: 8)
Our God is trustworthy, not all people are.
God never changes–He is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
For Visual/Video: Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1hiEwj3epA&t=40s
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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