Have you ever thought about what your expectations are regarding God’s wonderful and abundant plan for your life? Have you ever articulated (either to yourself or a close friend) what it looks like when God shows up on your behalf? Have you ever conversely given some thought to what life looks like when God doesn’t show up?

I have been thinking lately about such topics, like the reality of who God is and what His plan should or could look like in my life and my family’s lives, etc. It has again forced me to consider that God’s plan and purpose—as well as His objective character and attributes— are often times (maybe even mostly) different than my expectations.

Have you ever looked at a situation and said, “Boy, where was God in the midst of that apparently raw deal?” Like when Joseph was sold in slavery by his brothers. Or Jesus being unjustly sentenced. Stephen being stoned. Losing a parent or close friend to cancer. Like…you fill in the blank. We all have those times and things in our lives that, at first glance, appear contradictory to God being involved or certainly present.

But I keep coming back to the idea that God is omnipresent (always everywhere), sovereign (reigning and orchestrating human history) and omnipotent (always able to accomplish His plan and purpose). Therefore, nothing happens outside His intended and permitted plan for our lives. And so the question is not where is God, but rather, God You  are present. Your plan is intact, and yet Your presence and plan has manifested itself in a form and fashion that I was not looking for or anticipating. God, You are no less present in Joseph’s imprisonment than You were in Jesus’ resurrection. I was looking for resurrection but not imprisonment.

Have we disconnected from God (connecting with and acknowledging His reality, plan and character) because we have been unwilling to acknowledge His presence and person in the midst of our unmet expectations? Is it easier to cling to that which is a figment of one’s own making (God’s plan and purpose in our image) or to acknowledge the inaccuracy of our expectations? The maturation curve of becoming more like the One you seek to follow is directly related to your ability to adjust when life’s realities and your expectations do not coincide. Let me put it another way. The ongoing process of making timely adjustments to unmet expectations is the key to Christian maturity.

Be willing to make those God-initiated adjustments. Daily be faithful, obedient and submissive to what God brings, causes and allows in your life. As the circumstantial landscape unfolds choose to rise above its grasp and tether yourself to His providential character and plan. 

Continue to walk by faith and trust God for those things that, when they happen, can only be attributed to HIM! 

Bill