View Unfulfilled Expectations in a New Light

You worked hard for a promotion at work, and someone else got it. Or, you thought you’d be married by now, but there are no prospects in sight. Maybe you have a sickness or infirmity that immobilizes you or infertility prevents your dream of your own family.

Each of these are disappointing circumstances, at a minimum. It would be easy to think, “Why do these things always happen to me?” You look at others who appear less deserving, and marvel at how easily they move forward unhindered.

You, of all people, understand the verse: Hope deferred maketh the heart sick. (Prov. 13:12a) That word deferred means “drag along.” You can relate.

Part of unfulfilled expectations is the downward spiral that easily goes with it. You doubt that God cares and you fear your life will always be like this. You can’t get past “why?”

But the truth is that God has not disappeared. He is still sovereign, and He has His plans and purposes. It might encourage you to know that some of the most used-of-God people in the Bible had unfulfilled expectations. We’ll look at one.

The Apostle Paul was the first great missionary, and he had a crying need that he begged God to fulfill. Remember that thorn in the flesh?

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Cor. 12:7-10)

Paul received the “why” of his circumstance. It was so that he wouldn’t get too proud. It was a Satan-induced, God-prescribed infirmity to keep him humble. God knows what you would become if you received what you really want. He also knows what you can become if you don’t receive what you want. What God desires is that His strength be made perfect in your weakness. Let God shine. Like John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) Paul certainly got that. He got it so well, he was excited to have his physical ailment so God could become strong in his weakness.

Paul’s experience is also a model of And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28) Even though Paul’s thorn in the flesh was the messenger of Satan, God used it. Again, God is sovereign. He’s in control, and He can work with and through anything for His purposes.

Read through Paul’s account of his thorn in the flesh again and ask God to show you what He wants you to learn, and ask Him to allow the lesson to stick and help you through your challenges.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jer. 29:11)

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. (Ps. 62:5)