Our Expectations and One Certainty

We are now a month into 2015. There is still so much unknown about this year; the blank pages are yet to be filled in, and many possibilities are present. Along with possibilities, we also carry our expectations into the year and into the situations we encounter. Yet, this year also brings many uncertainties.

Let’s face it: each of us has preconceived notions and expectations about how our lives should be. Most likely your mind is filled with visions of the great things you hope to accomplish or do this year. Most of the time, the way our lives play out does not meet our expectations.

It is important to be hopeful and have goals, but be careful about holding too tightly to your expectations. They can do more harm than good. I came across this nugget of wisdom from Pope Francis: “God always surprises us. Like the new wine in the Gospel, God always saves the best for us. But he asks us to let ourselves be surprised by his love, to accept his surprises. Let us trust God!”

When we have expectations, we are actually putting limitations on God. We are putting God into a box and expecting Him to work in a certain manner or timing.

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When reality is completely different from our expectations, we may find ourselves disappointed. This can lead to bitterness and resentment. Disappointment and lack of contentment keep us from praising God and realizing the blessings and wisdom present in our reality.

Every situation in our lives teaches us and molds us. The specific circumstances of our lives are purposefully allowed by God for some greater good. As Pope Francis said, “God always saves the best for us.”

Uncertainty and waiting pushes us to our limits. If we let it, it can teach us to trust God. The best may not be what we had in mind or happen at the time we expected, but we can trust that God always has our good in mind. This is true even in the times of greatest uncertainty.

It is important to ask ourselves if we are remaining open. Are we letting our expectations of how we want things to be, or think they should be, get in the way of what God is offering to us? Are we trusting in God, or in our own ways? Open your hands and let go.

Pray for openness and radical trust during this year and beyond. Keep your hands free to receive the surprises that God has for you—the expected and especially the unexpected.

open hands

Even the events that we perceive as negative will lead us to another door or to blessings that we could not have anticipated before. Trust that God’s plan and way is much better than anything you could have imagined.

As you learn to let go and watch for the ways God is working, you will be delighted and amazed to see the numerous ways your Father is gifting you each and every day. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The stability of God’s presence and love in our lives—that is one expectation to count on, and it will never disappoint.

Lianna Mueller

Lianna Mueller

Lianna is a case manager for refugees in Ohio. Becoming "the best version of herself" and inspiring others to do the same is her aim. She enjoys writing, learning about other cultures, and trying to pick up other languages.

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2 thoughts on “Our Expectations and One Certainty”

  1. Pingback: Expectations and Certainty | Sunflower Sojourn

  2. Pingback: Heroic Priesthood: Demands, Joy of the Priesthood - BigPulpit

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