Unrealistic Expectations

In this episode of God's Podcast, Anna explores the topic of expectations. She discusses how expectations are connected to biblical teachings and offers practical ways to apply these concepts in daily life. Anna emphasizes the importance of grace, love, and acceptance in relationships, as well as the negative effects of judgment and comparison. She also talks about the balance between meeting the expectations of others and staying true to oneself and God's calling. Ultimately, Anna encourages listeners to rely on God and prioritize his expectations over human ones. Hey there! It's Anna with God's Podcast. In today's episode, we are diving into the topic of expectations. Before we head to this episode, let us pray. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Father, we come before you through your Son, Jesus Christ. And I look at each and every person listening, Father, I ask that you continue to open their ears, their hearts, their minds, and allow them to take in your words, your understanding, your wisdom, and get the knowledge that they need from you, Father. Father, I am only being used as a vessel, and that vessel is to glorify your kingdom, Father. So in today's episode, please let them understand and get your wisdom, your discernment from you, Father. Father, I just want to say thank you. I want to praise you and glorify you, because without you, I would not be able to do this. But through you, I can do all things, and so can everybody else. All we have to do is call upon you, Father. And for that, we thank you, and we come in union together. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. So like I said, we are going to jump into expectations, whether they're for yourself or for other people. But first, I want to say, it is your sister in Christ, Anna, coming to you as a mother, a sister, a wife, a Jesus lover, a Bible thumper, a counselor, and most of all, a child of God, being obedient for his kingdom. I am his warrior, and I will spread his word. And this is what he gave me for this week. So I hope you enjoy it, brothers and sisters in Christ. So let us explore how these expectations connect to biblical teachings and look at practical ways to apply these concepts in our daily lives. The goal is to help us stop damaging relationships and start building healthy expectations for yourself and for those you interact with every single day. In many biblical narratives, expectations are closely linked to the nature of relationships, both human and divine. For instance, God often sets expectations for his people, which are articulated through his commandments and his teachings. These expectations are not merely rules that are intended to guide us toward a fulfilling and righteous life. When people set expectations for others, it can arise from a place of concern or desire for harmony and understanding. However, the Bible also teaches the importance of grace and forgiveness. Jesus emphasizes love and understanding over strict conformity to expectations, encouraging his followers to look beyond faults and to embrace a spirit of compassion. Disappointment often occurs when expectations are not met, especially in relationships where we are seeking validation based on our personal standards. The Bible highlights that each person's unique experiences shape their differing views on what is right or expected, which leads us to the biblical approach that encourages a balance in our lives. This allows us to set healthy expectations while also practicing acceptance and love. Emphasizing relationships over rigid standards can foster deeper connections and mutual respect, allowing for growth and understanding in the face of unfulfilled expectations, brothers and sisters. So let us jump right in to the next section of this episode. Judgment and Comparison. The act of judging others often stems from our own set of standards, brothers and sisters. And as highlighted in Matthew 7 verses 1 through 5, which cautions against such behavior. When we impose our expectation on others, we inevitably compare their actions to our ideals. And this, my brothers and sisters, can create a sense of superiority or disappointment, leading us to frustration when they do not meet our standards. Such judgments can obscure our view, leading to anxiety over the flaws we believe we see in others. Next, love and acceptance. The essence of love and acceptance, as taught in 1 Corinthians 13 verses 4 through 7, plays a crucial role in our interactions. When our expectations are unmet, it can feel as though love and connection are lacking in our lives, fostering feelings of rejection or hurt. This emotional response can further isolate us, amplifying our negative feelings and distancing us from those we care about, leading us to human nature. Recognizing human imperfections, as noted in Romans 3 verses 23, it is vital for cultivating understanding and compassion. When we overlook this truth, we may create unrealistic expectations for those around us. Their inevitable failures to meet these expectations can lead us to frustration and anger, rather than fostering an environment of empathy and kindness, brothers and sisters, which then leads us to control and anxiety. Our desire to control our surroundings and relationships can provoke anxiety when others do not conform to what we expect. And this yearning for control often results in feelings of chaos when we are faced with the unpredictability of human behavior. Such emotional turmoil can detract from our ability to appreciate the beauty of diversity in our human experiences, allowing for others to be who they are and not what we expect, which leads to us reflecting on our own struggles, brothers and sisters. Our reactions to others often mirror our own insecurities and personal struggles. When others fail to meet our expectations, it can compel us to confront our shortcomings, which can be uncomfortable. This confrontation may lead to negative emotions as we grapple with both our feelings and the reality of our own imperfections that we are looking at others for. Remember, when you try to control others, it does not help you in any way because you can only control yourself. So we need to let go of these expectations and work on ourselves through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And how do we do that, you ask? By diving into these biblical truths, we can infuse a little grace and compassion into our relationships, realizing that everyone is on their own journey. So truthfully, brothers and sisters, when we embrace love and acceptance, it is truly like wearing a pair of Jesus glasses that allows us to relax and adapt when others fall short of our expectations. And the overall level of expectations for Christ followers often reflects not only our individual journeys, but also our collective experiences as a community. As we navigate through life, our faith influences our perceptions, choices, and interactions. For many, being a Christ follower means striving to embody the teachings of Jesus in everyday life, which can set high expectations for behavior, compassion, and moral integrity. And like I said many times before, brothers and sisters, this journey is not without challenges. We face many doubts, many struggles, and moments of weakness. However, these experiences can deepen our faith and understanding of grace. But on the other hand, our expectations can also affect our mental and emotional well-being, brothers and sisters. Striving for perfection in our spiritual lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy, while embracing the journey allows us to find solace in the idea that growth is a process. Ultimately, the path of Christ followers is one of continuous learning, brothers and sisters, resilience, and commitment to love and serve others, which shapes both our individual and communal identities. And this can guide us to the essential principles of biblical truth of expectations, which will lead us into the next part of this episode, expectations of self. The Bible encourages believers to strive for holiness, to live according to God's will. In Philippians 2, verses 12 through 13, Paul urges Christians to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing personal responsibility in faith, which then can create a positive expectation of growth and maturity in faith, motivating believers to develop their relationship with God our Father, which leads us to the next expectation, which comes from others. Within a community, expectations can both uplift but also burden individuals. In Romans 12, verses 4 through 5, it speaks about the body of Christ, where each member has different roles and gifts. This passage highlights the importance of mutual support and understanding, suggesting that while we may have expectations of each other, they should be rooted in love and encouragement rather than judgment, telling us that we need to have a community that builds us up and that we are all one body, given different roles, given different gifts. And next, it's God's expectation of us. The Bible also presents God's expectation for his followers, which are often centered around love, service, and faithfulness. Micah 6.8 summarizes this beautifully, stating that God requires us to act justly, love, mercy, and walk humbly with him. Understanding these expectations can guide us, Christ's followers, in our daily lives and our decisions, brothers and sisters. Now let's look at handling unrealistic expectations. Sometimes the expectations we face, whether they be in society, in family, in community, can be unrealistic or heavy. In Matthew 11, 28 through 30, Jesus invites those who are weary to come to him for rest. This passage reassures us, Christ's followers, us believers, that they are not alone in their struggles and that God's expectations are not meant to be a burdensome, but life-giving, so that we can lean on him and turn to him in every situation, brothers and sisters. And lastly, balancing expectations. It is crucial for us, Christ's followers, to find a balance between meeting the expectations of others and being true to our own convictions and God's calling. Galatians 1.10 reminds believers that they should seek to please God rather than people, highlighting the importance of prioritizing divine expectations over human ones, over our flesh, telling us to turn to God, allow him to be the center of your life, brothers and sisters. Listen, brothers and sisters, expectations play a significant role in the lives of us believers, us followers. By aligning our expectations with biblical principles, we can foster a supportive community and encourage personal growth and navigate the challenges of life with a focus on God's grace and love. And how can we apply these strategies to our lives? We can focus on these key strategies. Self-reflection. Start with examining your own beliefs and your own standards, recognizing that everyone has a unique background and experiences that shape their actions. By understanding your own biases, you can become more empathetic towards others. Practice empathy. Make a conscious effort to see things from the perspective of others. Instead of judging their actions, consider their circumstances and their challenges. This shifts your mindset and can foster compassion rather than disappointment. Limit your comparisons. Challenge the habit of comparing yourself or others to an idea. Remember that everyone is on their own journey. Focus on your growth rather than evaluating others against your standards. Cultivate gratitude. Shift your focus from what others lack to what you appreciate about them. Practicing gratitude can enhance your relationship and reduce feelings of judgment. Communicate openly. If you feel compelled to address an issue with someone, approach them with kindness and openness rather than imposing judgment. Seek to understand their viewpoint and share your own feelings constructively. Forgive and let go. Recognize that everyone, including yourself, makes mistakes. Practice forgiveness, not just for others but also for yourself. This can help release the burden of judgment and comparison. Set healthy boundaries. If certain relationships trigger negative feelings of judgment or comparison, it may be helpful to set boundaries. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage growth rather than competing. I hope these tips help you and by integrating these strategies into your daily lives, brothers and sisters, you can reduce judgment and comparison, allowing you to be more positive and understanding the environment both for yourself and those around you. So in conclusion, I want to emphasize that setting unrealistic expectations can lead to significant harm and conflict in your life, brothers and sisters. Grasping how to apply God's word and truth helps align our expectations with his will, guiding us towards a more fulfilling and peaceful existence. When we ground our expectations in the wisdom of scripture, we learn to embrace patience, grace, and the beauty of God's timing. This understanding helps us navigate life's challenges with a spirit of hope and resilience, allowing for healthier relationships and a deeper connection to our faith, brothers and sisters. Ultimately, by setting realistic expectations rooted in God's truth, we can cultivate a life that reflects love, understanding, and God's purpose. Brothers and sisters, I have a request for you today. Today's episode referenced numerous bible verses and I encourage you to revisit them yourself and discover what God wishes to convey to you. I have included these verses in the text of each episode for your convenience and to show you where my inspiration originated from. May you use this opportunity to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your relationship with our Lord and Savior, brothers and sisters. I truly hope you found today's episode enjoyable and that you can intrigate God's biblical truth into your daily life and let go of the unrealistic expectations for yourself and for others. Listen, brothers and sisters, please share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing God's message as we all need His presence every single day. Be a beacon of light and truth in sharing God's word. You are His vessel, brothers and sisters. So until next time, I wish you a wonderful week overflowing with God's abundant blessings and may you witness Him in action. So until next episode, have a fantastic week ahead and keep bibling, keep spreading God's word and let go of those unrealistic expectations. Thank you for listening. Thank you for coming each and every week to listen to God's word. He loves that you want to know Him better and so do I. Let us pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Father, I come before you through your Son, Jesus Christ, and I just want to say thank you. Thank you for a great episode. Thank you for allowing us to realize that our expectations of ourselves and of others need to be realistic and put into your truth, into your words, into your vessels. Father, I lift up each and every person listening and I ask you to continue to bless them, continue to guide them, continue to give them wisdom and understanding of your words. Father, we all need you each and every day and we just want to say thank you and we praise you and we glorify you and we pray all of this in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.