EXPECTATIONS #1

1 Peter 4:71 Peter 4:7
English: World English Bible - WEB
7 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.

WP-Bible plugin; James 4:1James 4:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
4 ¹ Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures that war in your members?

WP-Bible plugin

When it comes to expectation there are three different kinds of people:

1. Some people driven by others’ expectations.

They do stuff for the sake of keeping peace…so everybody’s happy. Somebody barks, you jump. Make 3 appointments for same time, one that leaves least guilt wins in the end.

Result: bondage to others’ expectations, and the very important things often do not get done.
You argue: If I don’t, people will think I’m lazy, thoughtless, not doing my job, they won’t like me. If you don’t do it, you are loaded with guilt. What you value in life is what others think.

2. Some people drive others with their expectations.

Somehow, just because you value something, you think everybody else has to value it. Your expectations rule in the home, work, friends and Church.

Result: if they’re not lived out, you let them know, or you retreat into depression and self-pity.
You Argue: We’ve always done it this way. I don’t get treated the way I deserve. What you value in life is yourself

3. In humility,people develop common expectation

A common value has brought us together. We must discover and agree to live out common expectations based on what we value.

Result: Harmony & peace
What you value is what we have agreed

You are one of these people. You can all experience the last in your home or work.

Let me share a decision you can make when your expectations are disappointed. You have a choice concerning your reaction.

Personal example: My birthday was forgotten; My health is failing.

A. A Usual Choice

1. My Expectations
2. The Actual Event
3. The Growth Point – Unwilling to accept circumstances
4. Disappointment – Failure. People let me down.
5. Discouragement – Robs you of energy, sad
6. Despondency – Lose heart. Give up. Depression. ill-feelings against

Result: We wallow in self-pity. We become short-sighted, bitter, and generally we will not find a solution to our problem. Unforgiveness becomes an issue.

B. A Better Path

1. My Expectations
2. Actual Event
3. The Growth Point

   1 Thess.5:16-18 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

   Romans 8:28Romans 8:28
   English: World English Bible - WEB
   28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.
   
   WP-Bible plugin “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”
   Ephesians 5:20Ephesians 5:20
   English: World English Bible - WEB
   20 giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;
   
   WP-Bible plugin “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything…”

   In spite of feelings, choosing to give thanks to God

4. Peace – Philippians 4:6,7Philippians 4:6,7
   English: World English Bible - WEB
   6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
   
   WP-Bible plugin “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
5. Joy – John 15:11John 15:11
   English: World English Bible - WEB
   11 I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.
   
   WP-Bible plugin “I have told you this so that your joy may be complete.”
6. Patience – James 1:2-4James 1:2-4
   English: World English Bible - WEB
   2 Count it all joy, my brothers The word for “brothers” here and where context allows may also be correctly translated “brothers and sisters” or “siblings.”, when you fall into various temptations, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
   
   WP-Bible plugin “Consider it all joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of may kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Result: Self Control – 1 Peter 4:71 Peter 4:7
English: World English Bible - WEB
7 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.

WP-Bible plugin “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”

We are able to find solutions through God.

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