When I was a little girl, I dreamed of getting married, having a family, and telling people about Jesus. I expected my life to go a certain way.  

I thought if I did “XYZ,” the outcome would be predictable. I felt in control. 

When my marriage almost ended and the ministry door closed, I struggled. 

God, haven’t I served you faithfully? Why are you allowing this? Don’t you love me?

How do we handle unmet expectations? 

Job was a righteous man who feared God and shunned evil. If anyone should have had his expectations met, it should have been him.  

But in a short time, Job lost all of his kids, wealth, and health. He suffered intensely, yet he persevered by realizing God was in control, not him. 

His wife told Job to “curse God and die!” But Job answered, “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Job 2:10 

Job ACCEPTED the good and the bad even when it didn’t make sense. He didn’t blame God, only worshipped. 

God reminded Job that He was the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator. Job ADMITTED his insignificance (Job 40:4) and humbled himself before God. 

“Then Job answered the Lord: I am so insignificant. How can I answer You? I place my hand over my mouth. I know that You can do anything and no plan of Yours can be thwarted.” Job 40:3-4; 42:2

Job ADJUSTED his plans (Job 42:2). If God orchestrated all the world’s details, Job knew God’s plan was the best. He only saw the present mess, but God saw the future masterpiece. 

So If you find yourself on the ash heap like Job, remember you are not alone. God brought Job through just like he will bring us through. 

Job trusted God’s sovereignty by accepting the good and the bad, admitting his weakness, and adjusting too God’s plan. We should do the same.  

He is the Potter and we are the clay. May we accept the refiner’s fire to become more like Him, and may we hand Him our unmet expectations, knowing His plans are always best.