Expectations

My earnest expectation and hope [is] that... Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. - Philippians 1:20

Expectations! We all have them. We expect that people will be nice to us, that we'll have good health, great marriages, faithful friends, successful careers. But what do we do when life doesn't live up to our expectations? In Philipians 1, Paul shows us the way. He faced broken expectations of place, people, and the future, yet he remained surprisingly upbeat.

Paul was stuck in prison - not a great place to be! When we get stuck in a tough marriage, an unrewarding job, or a challenging neighbourhood, it's easy to get discouraged. But Paul was wonderfully posotive. He said that his suffering helped to advance the gospel (Phil. 1:12).

Maybe people haven't lived up to our expectations. Paul likely expected other believers to encourage him. Instead, some were actually glad he was in jail and were preaching out of "envy and strife" (v.15). Paul's response? "Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice" (v.18).

Maybe it's an uncertain future - the loss of a spouse, a job transfer, or a health crisis. Paul knew that at any moment Nero might give the order for his execution, yet he declared, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (v.21).

Adopt Paul's only expectation - for Christ to be honored no matter what! - Joe Stowel

In all I think and say and do,

I long, O God, to honor you;

But may y highest motive to be

To love the Christ wo died for me. - D. De Haan

You can expect to enjoy God's presence when you honor Him with your life.

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I expected I will become a prefect when I go back to my school for Form 6... I expected I will get a higher position in CF... I expected I can serve the Lord on stage... ... And all this "expectations" didn't turn up... quiet disappointed at first... but I had overcome them... :)

Not being choose to become a prefect is because I then realize my leadership is not strong enough... Did not get a high position in CF is because Lord has ready another position which He think is more suit me... :) ... Haven't worship Him on stage is because I am not ready yet... He will have His own timing... All I need to do is get ready myself and wait for His timing... :)

But... there is another "expectation" that makes me cried badly... I wished to get my baptism after one month I believe in Jesus Christ, just before I leave Tawau... before I go to NS... They even arrange a special baptism for me due to the date they fixed is too late for me... however, I begged, cried, called for help... done everything I could, called everyone that can help me to convince my mum... but I didn't get it... I thought I can get it... I almost sure for that... anyhow... Lord have His timing...

Too many expectations that could not turn up... that really make people down... but what to do? There are something that is beyond our control... be positive-minded is the only way to makes myself feel better... and I got a lesson that, never expect too much... never ever have a high expectation for yourself... other wise, when it didn't turn up... that's really... hurt so bad...