I read recently that boys in America have a 0.008% chance of eventually playing football in the NFL. Yet around our country, many parents and coaches (as well as the boys themselves) have expectations that the young athlete will one day play on Sundays.
Unhealthy and unrealistic expectations can be devastating. They destroy trust and create a barrier for open relationships. Yet you don’t have to know the next Peyton Manning to be guilty of improper expectations. In fact, you don’t have to be a parent or coach at all. We all tend to create our own unhealthy expectations for God.
Most church-goers are probably familiar with the Matthew 7 passage in which Jesus commands us to “Ask… Knock… and Seek…” Verse 11 goes on to say that "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" God indeed promises to give good gifts to us, His children. A problem arises, however, when we begin to think we know what gifts should be given (and when they’re to be given… and how...).
For example, our affluent culture leads us to expect some things that probably should be classified as “wants” rather than “needs.” A good job; a nice car (or two); a large house – these are not bad things, but scripture never promises that they will be given to those who follow Christ. And those unrealistic expectations lead to distrust and disunity with Him.
Even the things we think we absolutely “need” such as food and water actually pale in comparison to what we need most – the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. And He told Paul:
“My grace is sufficient for you.
My Power is made perfect in your weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
What is most amazing is not just the boldness of the statement, but its truthfulness. Nothing else is needed more than His grace. Not food. Not clothing. Not shelter. Not a family. Nothing. That is because ultimately, this world is temporary. His grace is eternal. When we believe in Him and receive His grace, we gain what is most important not only in this life, but access to the next. Nothing else can sustain us here more perfectly, and nothing else can give greater hope for the future. Simply put, we can expect much from His grace.
Not I, but Christ…
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