The Difference Between Hope and Expectations

While my boys were at youth group one night, I decided to go to a local Christian bookstore and wait for them. I love to read; I especially like non-fiction books! One book in particular caught my eye as I was wandering around. It was called “Plan A Women in a Plan B World.”

Hope does not disappoint!

One of the chapters clarified the difference between expectations and hope. The author states that both words are associated with the word “cord.” Hoping in Christ brings peace and confidence. Expectations are landmines that need to be disarmed at the foot of the cross. Expectations are the list of things in our minds of how things “should” be. Living in the “shoulds” is miserable! I KNOW! I’m slowly making my way out of that miserable place.

My son Andrew shouldn’t be mentally retarded….but he is! He was my full-term, 12 lb. 23 inch long infant who has PVL–periventricular leukomalacia. My in-laws should have stayed married, especially after being married for 37 years … but they aren’t! My husband shouldn’t have had to go through so many job losses …but he did! We shouldn’t have to go through financial difficulties, after all we tithe and we give above and beyond our tithe … but we do!

Living in the “shoulds” is never good!

I think we can all attest to the fact that when we have expectations, we create the possibility of disappointment. We don’t experience disappointment, however, when we hope in God! It says in Romans 5:5, “Hope does not disappoint us!” It also says in I Corinthians 13:13, “These three remain: faith, hope and love!” And what is faith? According to Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the substance of things HOPED for and the substance of things not seen!” Hope is the cord that ties us to God and His lavish love for us and that which causes us to trust that He is good.

I will continue to maintain my HOPE in Christ and nothing less! “No one whose hope is in You will ever be put to shame!” (Psalm 25:3). He is my Rock! My stability in my uncertain life.

As long as you are still breathing, there is hope. Just make sure what you are hoping in is Christ!