Expect…

What do you expect?

I expect to be able to get up each morning and do the things I need to do for that day with ease and minimal interruptions. I’m sure some of you are already laughing at the “ease” and “minimal interruptions” part. How many days does that really happen? Nevertheless, that’s how most of us start our days.

1 day you wake up with a cold or the flu, and you can’t do your stuff for that day. It may take a few days to get through the sickness, but you expect to be back to normal routines in a few days. So what do you do if that doesn’t happen?

I experienced this last spring. I unknowingly injured myself working outside. I went to bed feeling fine and could barely walk the next morning. I expected to be back to normal after a few days of rest. However, that was not the case. I couldn’t walk without pain; I couldn’t sleep without pain. My first visit to the doctor was 4 days into the event. I missed 3 out of 5 days of work-which never happens. The next week I went to another doctor who felt physical therapy was the answer, even though she wasn’t exactly sure what was causing the pain. Thankfully, I found a place that could get me in at the end of the week. After 1 appointment I was able to finally walk without pain!

That was a difficult time for me. I wanted to instantly be back to normal so my life wouldn’t be disrupted. When that didn’t happen, I had a choice. I could choose to be bitter and angry and give up. I could also choose to keep seeking God and expecting to come out of that situation. There were times that were frustrating, but I chose to keep seeking and expecting. It didn’t happen the way I thought it should. I didn’t get there quickly. God took me the long way around and used other people to complete the plan.

What situation are you facing today that hasn’t turned out the way you expected? God can still get you to the place where you are supposed to be if you stay focused on Him. Be open to the things He brings that might not be what you expected and let Him complete the plan in your life. The only thing He expects from you is trust in Him!

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Psalm 37: 3 NIV