When it comes to adjusting your expectations, you may be tempted to either micromanage them, or lower them. Both tactics focus on avoiding disappointment at all costs. What if there was a better way to handle our expectations? What if we weren’t so terrified of disappointment? In this episode, Becky walks you through 4 ways to approach expectations in a holy and God-elevating way.
Take it Further:
Movies Referenced:
- The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Walt Disney Pictures, 2012
- Risen, Columbia Pictures, 2016
Scriptures Referenced:
- “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5 NLT
- “For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CSB
- “…I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13 CSB
- “When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”” Luke 10:17-20 NLT
- 2 Corinthians 9:8 says “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
- Proverbs 13:12. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13 “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.”
- Revelation 22:17 “The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”
- “For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15 ESV
- Proverbs 10:28 “The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.”
- “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 ESV
- “My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” Philippians 1:20 CSB
Other Sources:
Jon Acuff quote: "In these moments, fear will try to hand you an apathy shield. What fear doesn't tell you is that apathy forms a wall, but that same wall blocks you from joy, too." (*from the article "Dreaming God-Sized Dreams, 3 Lies fear always tells you about your goals," in the January 2013 issue of Homelife by Lifeway).
