Every human on earth has expectations in life, we expect that life treats us with kindness and all that we want come our way. In fact, our lives are filled with expectations, it is almost impossible to wake everyday with no expectation in mind. Expectations determines how we view life, God and people, it is one factor that affects our general life. Having expectations of different kinds is good, the Bible does not condemn expectations. But the major question is what happens when our expectations are not meant?
When our expectations are not met, it is normal for us to feel disappointed, frustrated, hopeless and drained. These feelings are natural for humans, but as Christians it is important to always keep our emotions under subject, even when things do not go our way. That period is not a time to feel sad and curse God, rather it is a time when we ought to drink more from the cup of faith. Having a strong faith in God will help us manage our expectations better. When our expectations are not met, it does not mean that God has deserted us, it just means that he has better plans for us, and as long as we put our faith in him, we will get the best things of life.
One thing is to build expectations, another vital thing is for our expectations to align with God’s plans for us. And this is where one of human’s biggest problem sets in. We expect things to happen exactly the way we have planed and envisaged, but sometimes these things take another turn. It may not even happen or at least may not happen the way we want. And this is because God’s timing and ours is not the same and these expectations may not align with his will and purpose for us. Even if we find it hard to understand this, let it sink deep into our hearts that God knows the best for us.
The Bible never lives us stranded on any subject matter, it always provide us with guild lines on how we are to handle everything. On the issue of expectations, the Bible directs us on how we should place our expectations, how to behave when we are expecting good things and also how to handle the emotions that arises when these expectations are not meant. The Bible serves as a lamp that directs our paths in life.
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”. This scripture underscores the essence of having faith. While we expect our plans to yield positive results, it is also important we possess high level of faith, believing that everything is working out for our good.
Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us”. This verse reminds us of God faithfulness and willingness to do whatever we ask of him. But these requests and expectations has to be rooted in trust and also these plans should correspond with his purpose for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. This verse teaches us that it is God that ultimately directs our paths, even though we make plans for ourselves. Explore the scriptures below;
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Bible Verses About Expectations
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. – Proverbs 23:18
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. – Psalms 37:4
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. – Matthew 7:7
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. – John 14:13
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. – Psalms 62:5
Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. – Proverbs 24:14
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. – Matthew 21:22
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalms 118:24
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6
You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. – Job 11:18
But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. – Psalms 39:7
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. – Isaiah 54:17
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. – Mark 11:24
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. – Isaiah 26:3
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9
I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. – Psalms 130:5
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. – Matthew 10:42
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. – Revelation 21:4
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6
As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. – Philippians 1:20
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. – Ephesians 3:20
You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways. – Job 22:28
Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. – Mark 11:23
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. – Jeremiah 33:3
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. – John 1:12
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10
The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the wicked in wrath. – Proverbs 11:23
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. – Proverbs 13:12
Gracious Christian is a professional writer, and a devoted Christian. I am lover of Jesus Christ, everything about him and the Holy Spirit. I have written over a 10k article about Christianity. Join me as we reverence God together.
