Expectations vs Surrender

For awhile now I've been part of the team that presents a program at my church called "Celebrate Recovery". Although many people have the misconception that it's a program only for those struggling with drug or alcohol addictions, I'm living proof that it's so much more than that. The fact is that it's geared to help - anyone - with any hurt that has become a burden in their life, any hang up that is being dragged around like tattered baggage or any habit that has taken control of their life. These are things that keep us from being all that God intended for us to be. Through this program you go beyond the worldly approach to resolving issues and it brings Christ right into the center of your life . . . which, of course, is your only hope!

Every human on the planet has an issue or two that has clung to them over the years so if you ever have a chance to participate in a class, my advise to you would be to run, don't walk, to the next meeting . . . it's that powerful! But, of course, there is a secret to the success that is possible . . . but rather than jumping ahead of myself, let me share with you some insight that I gleaned this morning from my quiet time with the Lord . . .

One major factor that contributes to life controlling issues is in the area of unobtainable expectations. Here's what I mean . . . many expectations lead you to say to yourself . . . 'I want' and 'I deserve'. Your focus, while being set on yourself, is destructive and over time can lead to self-centeredness, bitterness, anger, unforgiveness and well, I think you can see where this is going. These then become the things that control every relationship you have in your life. These challenges flow over into your job, your friendships and even how you react to the clerk behind the counter. Over time you come to believe the lies that they represent.

So, what's the answer? If having unobtainable expectations lead you away from God what is it that draws you toward Him? Well, in Psalm 51:17 it is written "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A humble and contrite heart - these, O God, You will not despise." SURRENDER is the answer - the sacrifice - the hope!!
More of Him and less of me.

He does not want us to suffer but rather He wants us to be submissive to His plan for our lives. And who, more than the One who created you, could fill you to the fullest. Who but your Creator is worthy to be the desire of your heart. Who but your Creator/Savior deserves everything you have to give through surrender?

As it is written in 1 Corinthians 2:9 "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has planned for those who love Him." Our ONLY hope is in the Truth of Jesus. May He ultimately be the only true expectation that we have in our lives.
Amen and Amen.
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For more info on the 'Celebrate Recovery' program go to www.celebraterecovery.com/au .