The reality is that many of our expectations will turn into disappointments. To rely on our expectations fully for satisfaction, security and purpose is a dangerous foundation to build on, but to find all these things in Christ will assure us that even when our expectations are not met, God is working behind the scenes to pull things together for us.
We often come across unmet expectations at work, in our marriages, with purchases that we make or even with ourselves. The question is never whether we will experience the disappointment of unmet expectations but how we react to it when we do. Here are three ways that Christians should never respond to unmet expectations.
Expect others to change
Many times when expectations become disappointments, they involve people and we might resort to blaming them. It's because our spouse doesn't care, our pastor doesn't feed us enough, or the customer service agent is just too lazy to help. What builds the disappointment more is when we add to the expectation and assume that people will change.
Not that people don't need to change. We all need to change. However, whether people will change or not is not up to us, it's completely their prerogative. To bank on their willingness and resolve to change will only disappoint us more. What we can change and control, however, is our own attitude and perspective and how we allow God to work through our hearts when our expectations are not met.
Give up the whole game
Galatians 6:9 tells us, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Sure we may have to concede and give up some expectations when they are not met, but remember that the battle isn't the whole war. There is still an overall vision to chase after and Christ to be revealed. That pursuit must go on even when expectations are not met.
Just as Paul persevered and kept his eyes on the prize, every Christian must do the same. God is more than able and is faithful to give us perseverance if only we look to His strength and ability instead of ours.
Limit God
When expectations are not met, one of the greatest temptations is to settle. The danger of settling is when we start putting God in a box. It's good that disappointment shows us how limited we are, but it should never let us think that God is limited. While we are to remain content, let's also remain expectant that God can and God will if He truly promises it to us.
Philippians 4:13 (ESV, altered) tells us, "I can do all things through [Christ] who strengthens me." When our expectations fail, look to Jesus and His promise, will and ability.
