Expectations

Ever notice how you can leave work expecting one thing, and by the time you arrive at home things seem to be quite the opposite? Perhaps I'm the only one. Sometimes I get on the road to find out that it's going to be a long drive because Snowpocolypse II is slowing it down, or simply some driver thought it was in their best interest to create havoc for the rest of us. Perhaps as you drive home you get a call to remind you about that appointment you almost forgot about; and at this rate you wish you had. Perhaps when you walk in the door it's not quite like the Cleavers, but more like the Rebel Alliance is making it's final stand against the Empire with light sabers swinging. My point is that you have expectations, and they change; or get changed for you.

So speaking about expectations ...

Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. (Joshua 21:45 ESV)

I think this passage is all the more interesting if you recall the history. The Israelites finally got to the promised land, but due to their lack of faith (except from Caleb and Joshua) they were told to go pound sand for 40 more years before they could enter. In essence, until the unbelieving generation died off, they wouldn't be allowed entry. Well, that is except for Caleb and Joshua, however they had to wait that 40 years as well. Do you think it matched their expectations? Hardly if you ask me.

However that verse is that much more beautiful knowing that history. Amidst the trials and delay, Joshua still recognized that His will was done, regardless of how it played out. I don't see it's about time in these words from the passage above; I see thank You. Read them again if you need to.

Thank You Lord for fulfilling those promises even when I'm expecting things to go a different way. May I learn to close each day and open each day with a word of thanks to You. Ultimately, may Your Will alone become my expectation.

Yours,

~Matthew