“…and He will deliver us from your hand, O King.” Daniel 3:17b
Expectations
Just the word brings groans of “ugh, not again” to most of us on the World Race. It is a much discussed topic since going into other cultures, different ministries and community living with all kinds of expectations can quickly lead to disappointment. We all have them but the foundation of these, sometimes pesky, ideas is what it comes to.
Any expectation I place on ever changing circumstances or faulty, weakness prone humans has potential for disastrous effects.
Just this week I have had to deal with a broken expectation. Team ministries were changed and now Manna is heading out into the African bush instead of working with Iris Ministries – bummer!! But I guess I have learned to hold to these things loosely. While in one sense I am very disappointed to not work with this ministry, I have come to know there is a reason for everything and I trust our leadership’s ability to hear from God enough to believe we are headed to the place we are supposed to be. Plus I admit that I am excited to be in the bush.
Expectations aren’t all bad, but how do we ensure the ones we have are healthy?
If I am child of God shouldn’t I expect Him to be present always (Matthew 28:20) working on my behalf for good (Romans 8:28)? If I am among a group of believers shouldn’t I be expectant of His presence (Matthew 18:20)? If someone is sick and we pray shouldn’t we expect healing (Isaiah 53:5)?
Yes, yes and YES!
It isn’t wrong to be expectant. The difference between a healthy expectation and one that isn’t is its foundation. Is it founded on truth or our own man-made ideologies and whims?
For me personally the trouble doesn’t lie in my expectation for God in His love and mercy to show up (which is based on truth) but taking it further and expecting it to look or be a certain way (based on my own ideas). It seems often my expectations turn into demands to somehow manipulate God into a desired outcome. I have a feeling that I am not along in this faulty system of expectations but God cannot and will not be manipulated!
So going forward this month, I expect God to show up in Mozambique. I have no idea what that will look like but I know He is able to deliver and in His way and timing He will deliver.
Lord help us to have my expectations founded in Your truth instead of in ourselves, others or circumstances. Help us hold loosely those things we expect allowing You to move in power and creativity. And when You do show up and deliver may we be quick to give you the glory and praise. Amen.
