Not a day goes by that something isn’t expected of you, or you expect something of someone else.  We have expectations of ourselves and God, too, and they are not always healthy.  When our expectations are based on God’s Word, they will never fail to be met. Cast aside your expectations, trust in God, and count the blessings He’s already given you. We can expect God to do exactly what He says He will do.

 

Put It into Practice:  Ask God to help you examine times when things didn’t align with your expectations.  In what were those expectations rooted? Did God’s purpose prevail? What was He teaching you through these experiences?

 

Day 1      Genesis 12:1-4

Reflect: What expectations do you think Abraham had for his life? What was he giving up by obeying God? How did his initial understanding of God’s promises shape his actions? 

Apply:   How can you apply Abraham’s story to your life when facing challenges or uncertainties in your faith journey? How does your life demonstrate that you expect God to keep His promises?

Pray:    Lord, help me to readily obey Your call, even when it means leaving behind familiar things and stepping into the unknown. Teach me to trust in Your faithfulness and to believe that Your plans are greater than I can imagine. 

 

Day 2      John 3:1-17 

Reflect: How did Nicodemus’ understanding of the scriptures impact his view of Jesus’ words? Do you think his expectations of God’s promises to His chosen people change after hearing Him? 

Apply: How has God’s Word changed your expectation of something you believed? Do you need to understand what God is doing to trust Him? Is it right to hold Him to His promises? Why?  

Pray:   Father, thank You that I am born again by the indiscernible, unfathomable work of the Spirit. Work in my life, washing away my old ways and transforming me with the life and light of Christ to live in accordance with the truth of Your Word.

 

Day 3      Psalm 5:1-8

Reflect: When have you prayed a prayer like David’s? Do you think David expected God to answer him favorably? How does letting go of expectations challenge your understanding of faith?  

Apply:   How do you deal with an answer of “no” to your prayers? What is your view on adding the words “if it be Your will” to prayers? When has God made His way plain to you? Did you follow it?

Pray:    Father God, help me to joyfully trust that You surround me, defend me and bless me as I walk in loving alignment with You and Your ways.

 

Day 4      Matthew 20:1-16 

Reflect: Why did those first hired become upset? How did those first hired and last hired view the landowner differently? What is Jesus teaching us in this parable? What is your view on fairness?

Apply:   What areas of your life do you tend to hold onto expectations that might be hindering your trust in God’s goodness? How would you complete this sentence: ‘If God is God, then….’? 

Pray:     Lord, help me to see beyond my own expectations and seek to serve with humility and joy. Instead of being resentful, I want to rejoice in the abundance of Your love and mercy.

 

Day 5      Matthew 11:1-6  

Reflect: Why was John questioning Jesus? What was Jesus trying to get John to understand? Do you think John was disappointed? Did he think his imprisonment was worth it? Why or why not?

Apply:   How does clinging to specific outcomes in your life prevent you from fully surrendering to God’s plan? What emotions might arise when you feel God isn’t fulfilling your expectations? 

Pray:    Jesus, open my eyes to see the miracles happening around me, acknowledging that my faith can waver and I may question my path. Help me to trust Your goodness and to find rest in Your presence.