Sunset-expectations

We've all been disappointed. Let down by someone or something you've really invested a bunch of love, prayer, thought, time, money or energy into. Disappointment over something small or disappointment over something you thought your life depended on. Our drive into the sunset is somewhat shattered. Consider dependency and expectations when reading this post...

"He went out, not knowing whither he went." Hebrews 11:8

This passage from Hebrews appeared in my daily devotion (January 2), My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers - really beautiful and challenging thoughts for daily devotions (so far as I've read). He speaks about continually 'going out' and revising one's attitude towards God, trusting in Him entirely. This passage and Oswald's thoughts relating to it really got me thinking about our response to disappointments.

My initial response to any disappointment is anger, very quickly followed by sulking. This is kind of ridiculous when considering what this anger/sulking is being directed at. Whether I am disappointed at myself or at someone/people who didn't make something happen to benefit me or my plans, can this disappointment be justified when we serve an all-knowing and all-powerful God?

Has anyone ever driven into a sunset? And I mean directly into a sunset? It sucks, up until the sun goes pink and is no longer blinding! The idea is completely romanticised... You aren't looking at the scenery upon which the light falls, you're looking straight into the blazing sun, shielding your eyes, only able to see the next step before you. I think we sometimes have sunset-expectations. Expectations that God will shed light on His plans and that His plans will always be positioned according to where we are in our lives and what we're 'capable' of.

Truth is, we aren't capable of anything that fulfills God's will WITHOUT 100% dependence on and trust in God. That means letting Him steer the direction of your life, especially when you can't see what the next step is. Trust God to give your eyes the ability to adjust to new light when you change direction, or to guide you when you cannot see further than the step before you.

This is the kind of dependence I'm talking about: 'Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is.' - Will you go out without knowing?, Chambers.

Continue seeking God's heart, abolish the expectations YOU have for your life, push through the disappointment, and know that your God has the perfect will for your life and loves you so so much.

Peace and Love

S