High Expectations

Let’s train ourselves to have high expectations – in relationships, in work, and in life in general! What if instead of waking up each day wondering how the day was going to go, we awakened with a decided heart that it was going to be the best day of our lives?!

Now I know this sounds a bit fanciful. Not every day is likely to be the best day ever. In fact, there may even be meetings or appointments that one just does not anticipate. But what if we disciplined our minds to constantly make the best of situations, desirable or otherwise? What if we sought a silver lining to the storm clouds that happen in life?

Live with Expectancy

By and large, we get what we focus on and expect. Start the day off with low expectations and odds are pretty good that the day will be mediocre at best. But consider Scripture, “this is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” I don’t hear a hint of mediocrity in that – I hear high expectations and enthusiasm!

Just consider, whether you are a mother, an employer, a caretaker, etc – think of those under your authority. When they show up with a glum attitude it drags the environment, the day, and yourself down. But when they come in with joy and happiness, it fills the entire atmosphere with a light and contagious enthusiasm!

That’s what living with expectancy does for us. We train ourselves to have high expectations, we anticipate positive situations, we plan for success, we live with hope! And the joy this brings, the spring in our step, the light in our heart, is precious and such a blessing! High expectations result in favor-filled days and opportunities that seem too good to be true!

Of course this doesn’t mean that life will be all sunshine and roses. But instead of letting the cloudy days get us down, we can use them as fuel to strengthen us and build endurance to press on in faith. God doesn’t waste trials or difficulties, they are all useful for training and strengthening us. Our obedience has never been contingent on our comfort.

Keep the Faith

Difficulties often mean one of two things: either you’ve made bad choices and you are reaping the consequences, or growth is happening. Now ideally, the first is not the case, so let’s consider the second. When we cave in the midst of these difficulties it is a sign that we are weak and lack faith. But what if we changed our perspective and saw the difficulty for what it really was: growth.

Consider the Bible and all the stories of trials that God’s people overcame. The persecution they endured, the danger they navigated, the years they waited, etc. It is easy to read these stories and know the conclusion and not comprehend the reality of what they faced!

David was anointed years before he became king. Don’t you suppose somewhere along the lines he had moments of wondering if he misunderstood about the anointing? Scripture said he had a heart that was perfect towards God, but he was also still human and I’m sure not only did he have his moments of wondering, but he also had friends that weren’t exactly encouraging. And yet, he had high expectations that God would make a way and he kept the faith and in time became one of the most memorable kings in the Bible!

It is such a comfort to know that God ordains and directs our steps when we submit and seek Him. No matter what our circumstances look like, if we will keep a hopeful heart, have high expectations and keep the faith, we can be certain that He will direct us where He wants us!

It’s Not About You or Your Comfort

I have some harsh news for you: your life isn’t about you or your comfort. It’s about living for God and showing up for where He directs and those He brings into your life. There will absolutely be bonus moments when you completely die to self and seek to serve others that He will bless you in incomprehensible ways. But the point of life is not your comfort, it is serving God.

I think this may be an area that the world has confused us. It goes on and on about finding yourself and being yourself and making yourself happy. But if the world encourages and insists on it, that should be a red flag for Christians. Think of Paul in the New Testament once he saw the light on the road to Damascus. Do you think any of his many journeys and visits to the churches were for his own satisfaction? Rather, I think he was on a mission for the Lord.

So we too should seek to completely surrender to God’s plan for our lives. This doesn’t mean we can’t have dreams and work towards goals, but rather we need to faithfully use the ten commandments to determine our path. It would seem when we feel the lowest or most discouraged is the time to reevaluate what our focus is. Because when we are showing up well for God, there is no sorrow or discouragement. This heaviness typically comes with too much self consideration.

The beauty of serving God is that we can do it in a myriad of ways. He gives us skills and inclinations and opportunities in numerous areas. And in return, we are charged with doing whatever we do as unto the Lord! Not for human praise (though you may receive it), but for God’s glory!

Having high expectations yields high quality results. It is about quality over quantity, others over yourself. Instead of just letting life pass you by, seize the day, and show up well for God and those He brings into your life.

Until Next Time!

Hope.

PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2023/05/03/relationship-advice/