The word expectation means the state or act of looking forward or anticipating something.  Expectations are everywhere, and a lot of times we have expectations set for ourselves.  As Christians sometimes our expectations get all of our attention and we forget why the expectations were set in the first place.  When those expectations (often unattainable by our human efforts) fail to be met, panic and chaos sets in.  Why so?

There is a difference between an expectation and a goal.  A goal is a healthy milestone set to motivate you and keep you focused.  An expectation can be unhealthy in that it requires unrealistic abilities on your end and can just lead to confusion, frustration, and stress.  For example, Bill Harmon grew up being the son of 1948 Masters champion Claude Harmon.  Now a golf instructor, Harmon says one of the most important things his father told him while golfing is “I don’t know why you get so upset. You aren’t that good.”  It may sound mean, or degrading but it is so true!  In the game, expectations can be set ridiculously high for ourselves that no matter what, we will always be failures in our own eyes. 

I believe the same can be said for those living for Jesus.  Why does it radically surprise us when we screw up? The expectation of living a perfect life is completely unattainable, and God knew that!  That’s why he sent Jesus to die for our sins so he could still know us.  Floundering in our sin and our past mistakes is forgetting the saving, redeeming power of Jesus Christ our Lord!  Trying to live on our own merits only brings us into complete disarray, but it is so easy to do!  Expect GRACE when you repent to a loving God and never forget who you are in Christ alone when you accept him into your life!  Thanking God for all things and being content in all situations frees us up from the worldly expectations we set for ourselves.  As a Christian we are made alive through Christ, nothing that we can do earns that!  Expect him to carry you today!