EXPECTATIONS

by Jodi Hamilton

Expectations are the breeding grounds for disappointment. They are false burdens that keep us in bondage and expose us to offence. Expectations provoke us to become easily let down or hurt as they change our perspective of reality causing us to be 'set up' for disappointment. We cannot predict or forecast another persons behaviour. If we purpose in our hearts to remove all expectations from those around us, our focus will soon shift to seeing the good as we are no longer 'fixated' on how they have let us down.

It is true that we must always always hope and believe the best of all people. To do this effectively we must avoid boxing them in to our unrealistic or idealistic views. How often do we get all stressed out when somebody hurts or offends us? How often does it instantly become all about us? 1 Peter 4:12 says, 'Beloved, think it not strange the fiery trial that is to try you as though some strange thing happened to you'. How often do we get all worked up when we are treated unfairly? If we don't expect anything we will be prepared for everything! We must learn to walk in total acceptance and unconditional love in order to give our 'shock absorbers' a rest. When all expectation is removed we start to see and accept the person for where they really are as opposed to where we would like them to be. This new perspective opens the door enabling us to fully embrace our 'trials' with a Christ like perspective as we rise above our emotions. Only then are we able to clearly hear and follow the Holy Spirits leading to WALK through our circumstances.