Expectations
Image: Sandra Muralha on Pexels
There is something in my life that I have tried to manage, and as I get older I think I am getting better at it.
It’s not how much time I spend scrolling on my phone, or the amount of alcohol I consume. So what is it? It’s managing expectations.
I like this definition: a strong belief, anticipation, or assumption about what will or should happen in the future.
I think we all have expectations. How many times do we expect something to happen or someone to act in a certain way and it doesn’t go like that! This usually results in a feeling of disappointment.
The book of 2 Kings in the Bible has some insight into ‘expectations.’ It’s a short story about a man called Naaman, who was an army commander for the King of Aram, and he was ill with leprosy.
Naaman was told that in Israel there was a prophet called Elisha who God used to heal people. So Naaman searched for Elisha who told him to go and wash himself seven times in the river Jordan where he would be healed. However…
“But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage.”
Naaman’s expectations were not met and he responded badly. Nevertheless, he was persuaded to change his mind and went and did exactly what Elisha had said, and he was completely healed!
When Naaman humbled himself and let go of his expectations, he was able to hear and respond positively.
May we all learn from Naaman. In all situations, with people and with God, aim to put aside your expectations, stay humble, open and see what happens…
God bless you:)
Gary Bastin
Hope Community Church leader