Expectations

Main Scripture: Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Prov 13:12 (KJV)

Song to meditate on: Babbie Mason – Show Me How To Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0RPql25XPs)

Have you ever been in a situation where you waited on something with great anticipation and then you did not receive it? At least you did not get it when you expected it or maybe how you expected it? Isn’t that the heights of disappointment?

Well Proverbs 13:12 concurs, it tells us that “hope deferred maketh the heart sick.”  It is quite normal that when we expect to get something and it is delayed we get frustrated, worried and unhappy. Some of us even get sick. It has been proven that people who feel like they have no hope gets sick and live shorter life. I can remember times when I have wanted something so badly, did not get it on time, went home and cried my eye balls out because I was so disappointed. However the scripture goes further to say that “when the desire cometh, it is the tree of life.”  Isn’t that true, that when you get what you desire you are as happy as a lark, even if it did not come in your own timing. It somehow puts a pep in your step.

I am reminded of the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. His sisters were so distraught because Jesus did not come before he died. He actually died for four days before Jesus came and raised him from the dead which filled everyone with joy.

Ladies, the fact is we are not going get everything we desire or plan for in this life. Everything is not going to go as we planned it or happen in our time. Sometimes we are going to do things for people expecting persons to return the favour and it is never going to happen. It was Shakesphere that said “expectation is the root of all heartache.”  It therefore means that disappointment will come. However, how we deal with and view expectations are tantamount to our happiness in this life.

1.   Adopt an attitude of faith – Faith waits on God. It therefore means that although the disappointments come and the plans are delayed, you live knowing that God promises are true and that He has a plan to prosper you and not to harm you. Romans 8:28 tells us “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

2.   Do good for people without expecting anything in return

3.   Love freely and willingly without expectation – Expressing your love does not always mean that someone is going to love you back. True love expects nothing in return. There is a little song that expresses this quite nicely:

Show me how to love in the true meaning of the word

Teach me to sacrifice expecting nothing in return. I want to give my life away becoming more like You each and every day. My words are not enough. Please show me how to love.

Ladies have an extraordinary and God Filled weekend

Let’s Pray,

Dear Lord, increase our faith in you today. Teach us to wait on you for all things. Show us how to love in the truest form, expecting nothing in return Lord, help us to endure the disappointments and trials that come with planning knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord.