Handling our expectation helps us handle life in general!
Having travelled in several parts of the world, I have observed an interesting phenomenon. Happiness seems to reduce in direct proportion to our expectations. In Africa, where the normal people have so little of this worlds wealth, they seem to have an overabundance of happiness. In India, where poverty is endemic, yet the people seem to remain happy and almost contented with their lot as long as they can survive. In Eastern Europe the people are no less happy and contented than we in the West, and often are more happy despite having little or no political influence. We can see that similar pattern within the pages of the Bible. The man called Moses was sent to get Israel out of captivity in Egypt, but what Moses thought would be straightforward turned out to be anything but. His expectation was significantly different to Gods plan, so, “Moses returned to The Lord and said,’O Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Is this why You sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and You have not rescued Your people at all.’”
Today we live in the UK in a society where expectations are very high that the state will keep all negativity and adverse circumstances away from us, despite the fact that such expectation is wholly unreasonable. From health to wealth, and peace to protection, in law and liberty, someone will always ensure the best comes our way. So when something unexpected, negative or unwelcome happens we react as Moses did – “Why?” Then it must always be someone else’s fault.
Life can be hard, but it doesn’t have to make us unhappy! It may be tough, but it doesn’t have to rob us of peace. Why? Because God, Himself, came in the person of Jesus, suffered more abuse, pain and hurt than we could possibly imagine, so that, through an intimate and personal relationship with Him we might live in this turbulent world in peace. If you don’t know that kind of peace and rest, you can. He is waiting to hear you call on Him, and He will respond to you. So call on Him today.
At Life Church we are here to help in your journey towards understanding God, and how He plans for you to live life.