Expectations...

When it comes to people, my expectations are often unrealistic... my husband is quick to point this out to me!

I remember the time my husband attended Cursillo, a three-day retreat. I was so excited for him; for the change many had promised I would see in him... I prayed for him, sent him letters of encouragement, and waited eagerly for Sunday to hear all about his life-changing experience...

I bombarded him with questions... imagine my disappointment when he looked at me and very nonchalantly asked, “Who did I go for, you or me?”... I guess he told me!

You see, there was no need for me to ask for a report... I needed to give him time to process all he had received that weekend. I needed to be patient, because God works on His own time schedule, not mine. He had started a good work in my husband, but He would not force or rush the growth... spiritual growth is a matter between God and the individual- intimate and personal. I needed to let go of my expectations; I could not will that growth to happen in a certain way. I needed to get out of the way and watch as the fruits of that weekend unfolded; to sit back and witness the transforming power of God’s love.

Now, when it comes to Jesus... He is a sure thing! He knocks every expectation, every hope right out of the park.

John the Baptist sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”( Lk 7:19 ) There was no need to look any further; Jesus was the fulfillment of all the promises of the Old Testament. Sadly, he was not what some had expected... so, they did not believe. But, to those who did believe... He was so much more than they could have hoped for... Jesus gave this response to John’s disciples, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.“ ( Lk 7:22 )

The evidence was there... the works testified; there were signs and wonders; those who were healed gave witness...

As I write this post, a choir is singing on the radio, “All the ends of the earth have seen the power of God.”

Have you seen? Do you believe?