Unrealistic Expectations

Unrealistic Expectations

by Diana Scothorn

If we could see deep into each heart, it would change our expectations!  We often expect from people what they cannot deliver.  We cannot expect someone to love unconditionally if they do not only love themselves!  We cannot expect someone to make us feel strong when they are weak and insecure!

I have found myself in so many…

…situations through false expectations, set myself up for failure. When I was single, I went from relationship to relationship, looking for something only Jesus could provide. People will fail you, but Jesus will never fail you, or leave you.

It’s impossible to find love and acceptance from those who do not love and accept themselves. True affirmation and unfailing love can only be found in Jesus. When we have expectations from those we love, and they’re not met, a seed of disappointment will begin to take root, if we’re not careful.

If we’re married and our spouse is not in touch with his feelings, it will be difficult for him to meet our emotional needs.  When our expectations are relying on our husband to affirm us and he doesn’t know-how, his lack of sensitivity can cause resentment;  in reality, our affirmation should come from Jesus.

If we’re sick and put our sole trust in the doctor, and he gives a bad report, we’ll experience heartbreak and disappointment.  Our expectations need to be in the Divine Healer, Jesus Christ! If our expectations are in doctors, or people we’ll get results that are limited to only their capability.  Psalm 62:5-7 says, “ My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation. He is my defense; I shall not be moved.”

I think our greatest expectation is to be accepted and loved for who we are. Satan will always make you feel as if who you are, is not good enough! It’s a pitiful lie, meant to make us live a pitiful life. When we don’t meet people’s expectations or people don’t meet our expectations, disappointment follows close behind. The only perfect one is Jesus!

Expectations can cause us to put demands on people who were never meant to meet those demands. If we put our trust in the ability of others to meet our needs, it not only diminishes the meaning of the cross but hinders the expectations Jesus has for us to live in freedom and victory.

Jesus is the source of all things!  He is the need meeter according to  Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”   

When I put my trust in the source, that gives me strength and courage, to be who I am designed to be in Him because we’re who God says we are. We are healed, and we’re made in His image! 

Until we can truly see who Jesus is, we’ll never see who Jesus says we are. Jesus proved His love when He died on the cross so we could be free, and that alone takes all expectations off you and me!