I’ve been learning my expectations put limits on God. Yes! I know He is able to do much more than I can think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Yet, I somehow find myself thinking I’ve figured out His plan and the direction He’s going.
When the unexpected happens, I look at the circumstance and question how God could possibly intend “this” for my or anyone else’s good. Which is another way of saying I struggle in my faith when things go differently than I think they should.
Yes! I know and believe God is sovereign, good, and loving. But when I’m focused on what I expect and circumstances don’t look good from my perspective, I find myself challenged.
I’m learning my expectations are influenced by my perspective, and when my perspective is not aligned with God’s, I encounter surprise, hurt, fear, struggle, _______.
God is gently teaching me to surrender my expectations and seek His perspective in every circumstance; to remember His thoughts and ways are not mine (Isaiah 55:8-10).
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Look at the last sentence in the CJB version of that verse.
“so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed.”
I’m far from mastering this concept, but I’m learning to quickly check my perspective and get it realigned with God’s. How? By allowing His word to transform the way I think and learn more of Him in the process.
How about you? Have you been surprised by the things of this life only to realize God was working through it to bring blessing and benefit? Share one thing you learned through your experience.