While reading a chapter of Andreas Kostenberger's new book The First Days of Jesus I came across the following quote:
Wrong expectations are a key source of disillusionment and disappointment. A cynical person might argue that we should never expect anything from anyone in order to avoid being let down. Such an approach to people and God, however, will surely lead to a bitter and lonely life. We need each other, and we need God. What happens, then, when God fails to meet our expectations or to act in the way we thought, hoped, and prayed He would?
In such instances, we need to reevaluate our expectations to make sure they align with the promises of God. God has not promised us that we will be free from all sickness and have lots of money in this lifetime. He has not promised that bad things will not happen to good people. He has not promised that we and our loved ones will never die. In this present age life is fatal; no one gets out alive. He has promised that He will be with us no matter what and that nothing can ever separate us from His love. He has promised that resurrection will triumph over death and that there will be a future day when He will personally wipe every tear from every eye and remove sickness and death from His creation forever. We will not always understand why things happen, but we can trust that God will fulfill His promises. He is faithful.
May God's people ever be mindful of the fact that pain and evil are the results and consequences of sin. God is not the one to be blamed for evil and suffering; He is the only source of hope for a lost and dying world. May God's children ever hold to His hand and trust in His Word though dark and dreary may be the way knowing that He will "never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
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