Expect – Five Minute Friday

For a very long time in my life I would expect everything to be my way.

Twasn’t me, ’twas the Lord! I always told Him, ‘I trust to you. I don’t know where to go or what to do, but I expect You to lead me,’ an’ He always did. ~ Harriet Tubman

Being the first born my parents expected much from me and I obliged. But I also then felt the same about others. If people didn’t come up to my high standards it bothered me.

When I married 46 years ago I felt my husband should see my needs and respond to them. As I found out that is not possible. My needs are not his problem. They are my problem.

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t care for me. I know he does. But it does mean I can’t expect him to see everything my way and do everything my way and when I want it.

Yes I was bossy. My younger sister can attest to that. I loved to rule the roost.

Getting rid of my expectations has helped me to relax, and has turned my world up-side down. Instead of trying to get my way (all the time) I am learning to look to the needs of others. I am learning that it is not about me. It is a slow process.

Jesus said we are “to be poor of spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).”

I still work on this one. Not only do I try not to expect others to meet my needs I try to not be self-sufficient and meet my own needs.

I know that sounds weird. Why wouldn’t I want to strive to meet my own needs?

But if Christ is living in me I need to look only to Him to look after me. (tweet this)

It’s my expectations that have to change. Others may help me grown spiritually but I don’t need to depend on them. I have Jesus.

Expect: – To look forward, to consider probable or certain

Expect is more than a desire or longing but a knowledge that such a thing will happen.

We can’t expect people – any people to always be on the same page as we are. It’s impossible.

Jesus is the only One that I can expect to be there at all time, through all situations.

Jesus said,”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28, NIV).

I did put my trust in Him. He does as He promises – He is there. He listens.

I love the praise song, “Hungry Falling on my knees”- 

There is sentence that says I know You satisfy.

Hungry, I come to you
For I know You satisfy
I am empty but I know
Your love does not run dry

Where do you put your expectations?

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