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Do Your Expectations Measure Up?
Everyone has certain expectations of how they believe their life should be. If you happen to ask someone how they want their life to turn out, they would probably respond by saying they expect their life to be fun and enjoyable with the least amount of struggles and setbacks as possible. So yes, who could disagree? This is after all the ideal life. However, if you happened to ask the same person how their life actually turned out, chances are all of the expectations in life would not come to fruition. If that were the case people would never have a problem planning out their lives. I have spoken with more people who share that they are often upset or disappointed because in one way or another, their expectations did not match with the true realities of life.
In the Old Testament the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. As we come to Numbers 11:1-6, Moses was leading them from bondage in Egypt to the Promised Land that God had promised to them. God also promised bread from heaven, manna, to sustain them as they were in the desert under Moses’ leadership. This was the work of God’s love and care for His people. Their expectations were to have no more hard labor, not to be wandering in the desert for so long, and they wanted a variety of food such as fish, meat, and vegetables.
After being in the desert for a while God was providing manna every day, but the people expected more. Again they wanted meat along with the manna that God graciously, faithfully, and miraculously provided for them.
When life takes a turn and does not meet our expectations what shall we do and how shall we respond? We should not be surprised. Why, because peoples’ expectations will always change. We want what we think is best for us. The difference between us and God is that we want what we think is best and He knows what is best. Just something to consider!
