Examine Your Expectations

Nothing dims joy more quickly than unmet expectations.

Long-distance running taught me that lesson in a powerful way. I found that on some long training runs I would sort of “settle in” and go with the flow. My mindset naturally embraced the reality: “You’re going to be out here running for a long time — embrace it and take it as it comes.” On days like those, I ran with peace and joy, even when it was physically difficult.

Other days, my mind approached the run like a checklist: “I need X miles today — let’s get this done and move on.” On days like those, the run seemed to last forever! I checked my watch every tenth of a mile. And I was pretty miserable, even when it was physically less demanding.

What was the difference? My expectations. On the one hand, I accepted the unknown and the difficulty, trusting that it would be worth it in the end. On the other hand, I battled against the situation, expecting (and often demanding) that it would end quickly. It never did…

I often catch myself doing this in my faith journey. I get a certain idea in my head about how a situation should go, how long it should last, or how God will show up for me. As soon as I set those expectations, I lock myself into hope for a certain outcome. It actually prevents me from seeing clearly. I miss divine opportunities, the benefit of the trial, and how God has shown up for me. Maybe you can relate.

There’s a time to fight. Spiritual warfare is real. And Christians should equip themselves with the armor of God to fight that battle (Ephesians 6:10–17). However…I have often found myself fighting the very thing God wants to use for my good and/or his glory. Or I’m fighting so hard for a particular outcome that I fail to accept the reality of what I’ve been called to endure.

It’s times like these that Job’s story speaks volumes. For reasons he could not understand, he lost nearly everything and suffered from painful sores all over his body. When his wife encouraged him to curse God and die, Job replied:

Job 2:10 (NIV) — “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

Whenever your heart begins to despair or resent God in the midst of great trials, I want to encourage you to examine your expectations. As a Christian, this ends well for you. Whether your circumstances change tomorrow or you suffer your entire life…this ends well for you. It ends with Jesus. In glory. Forever.