Great Expectations

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

 

I love the quote that says, “Never put a period where God puts a comma.” It’s a constant reminder for me to stay flexible to God’s rule, way,  and to submit to His sovereignty over my life. This can be especially difficult when I have got big plans or hopes that have led to great expectations.

 

Expectations can be awesome. They have the potential to bring us great joy when fulfilled and focused energy when we need to complete a particular task. They also have the potential to usher in great disappointment when they are dashed. It’s then that we must remember to “never put a period where God puts a comma.” We must submit to His will if we want to live with joy. To continue to demand our way only leads to internal frustration.

 

There have been times in my life when my expectations haven’t lined up with God’s will: like when I wanted to receive a particular job offer. I have to admit there have been times when I have wanted to shut down hope, silence expectations, and never dream again when the pain of unfulfilled expectations pierced my heart. But a better way is to surrender to Christ and His way.

 

Surrender doesn’t mean giving up; it means giving in. It means giving Him control, and heeding His directions/guidance. We put our plans in His hands as we work. We give Him our children as we raise them. We surrender the outcome of our job search as we look. And, when things don’t go as we planned, we do not live as those who have no hope and become cynical and tell themselves, “Don’t dream because you’ll just be disappointed.” No, we remember that God has a plan, and it’s always a good plan, even if it’s not our plan.

 

Our Prayer: Father help us daily to put our trust in you, and to lay all our dreams and expectations at your throne, knowing and trusting that when we take on your plan for our lives you will always do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask and think and can imagine Amen. 

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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

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www.fbcc-va.org

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