Have you noticed that the higher our expectations, the greater our disappointment when they are not met? Whether our unrealistic expectations are placed in other people, in our own strength, or in specific situations, we will always experience discouragement when things do not go as planned. But when our expectations are placed in the promises of God, we will never be disappointed. His timing may not always be as quick as we would like, and His methods may be different from what we expected, but God will always follow through on His promises.
In Luke 2:25-35, we read about Simeon, who placed his expectations on God's faithfulness. He had spent his lifetime anticipating the arrival of the Messiah. And because God had told him he would personally see the Christ, Simeon knew that Jesus would be born in his lifetime. After years of waiting and watching, Simeon was ready to be relieved of his post.
Simeon's expectations were met because they were rooted in the promises of God.
When he held the Christ child in his arms, he prayed, "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).
Simeon's prayer was a confident prayer. He was not surprised that God had fulfilled His promise. He knew God would remain faithful. Simeon's expectations were met because they were rooted in the promises of God. God had promised to send the Messiah, so He sent Jesus Christ to earth. Simeon never gave up on God, and God did not disappoint him.
What a contrast to the expectations we place on this world! We place high expectations in the wrong things and the wrong people and are surprised when we end up bitterly disappointed. We forget that the only one who will never disappoint us is God.
Prayer: God, help me to place my expectations in You, not in this world. I know that You will never disappoint me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God" (Psalm 42:11).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon Ordinary People, Extraordinary Prayers, Part 5: LISTEN NOW
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