Expectations (Part 3)

Expectations (Part 3)

Expectations also come from what we’re used to, our family growing up, or our own personalities. 

-If you grew up in a family where shouting and open conflict was the normal way to resolve an issue, you will expect others to shout and be pugnacious if they have a problem with you. 

-A person who prefers to hide emotion and talk issues out rationally may find it impossible to convince you that she’s been hurt because she’s not shouting yet, so it can’t be that serious. So you therefore continue to repeat the behavior that irritates her.

There are some people who the Bible says should not expect much. 

-The wicked-Proverbs 11:7 says, they should not expect to retain their ill-gotten gains: “When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, / and the expectation of wealth perishes too” in Proverbs 10:28 ESV. Crime doesn’t pay, in other words. 

-The double-minded, faithless man should not expect answers to prayer: 

James 1:7 “That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”

The Bible encourages those who trust in the Lord to expect good things from Him. 

Psalm 62:5 “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.” 

Provers 23:18 indicate that those who live in the fear of the Lord have this promise: 

“There is surely a future hope for you, / and your hope will not be cut off.” 

The godly are justified in having great expectations.