Dashing Through Expectations

– By Joe Fornear

There’s an old country song entitled, “I Shaved My Legs For This?” Expectations always abound – and of course they’re not always attained. During the end of her pregnancy, Mary probably imagined a glorious birth for her Son. After all, He was the world’s Savior and King. Instead, she was subjected to a long journey away from home, followed by a birth noted by laying her Newborn in an animal’s feed bin. I doubt she signed up for that plan.

Perhaps this Christmas you find yourself in the wake of some seriously dashed expectations. A diagnosis of cancer for you or a loved one? Been given little hope of survival by doctors? Lost your job? Lost a loved one? Alone? This is not at all how you envisioned spending this Christmas. I was informed of my diagnosis on Christmas Day in 2002, so I can relate to a degree. So how to cope?

• Realize the Lord truly understands your hurt. He can relate to us. Jesus was totally rejected during His life. His pain was substantial and personal. He was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”  (Isaiah 53:3).
• Receive His special graces. Mary treasured each and every promise made about her Son. This gave her a transcending ability to praise along with the shepherds and angels in the midst of dashed expectations (Luke 2:16-20).
• Remember the pain and tears of this world are only temporary. In 100 years, we will hardly remember the pains that paralyze us today. (More on how to know if you’ll go to heaven). “And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Paul says our suffering is temporary and light, compared to the glory to follow. “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Lord, this Christmas and always, help us rise above our expectations to treasure You and Your promises for this life and the next.