March 10, 2025

Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations and Trusting in God’s Plan • Sunday Service

50 minutes

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So much of our emotional turmoil comes from unfulfilled, unrealistic expectations. We set up visions of what life should be, only to be met with disappointment when reality doesn’t match our desires. The world tells us to “manifest” our dreams and to “follow our hearts,” but as Christians, we must surrender our expectations and align ourselves with God’s will. His plan is higher, His ways are greater, and when we trust Him, we find peace.

Today, we will explore how unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and how, instead, we should anchor our hope in God’s plan.

1. Unrealistic Expectations Lead to Discontentment

Proverbs 13:12 (NKJV)

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”

2. Our Ways Are Not God’s Ways

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV)

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

3. Seeking First the Kingdom Changes Our Expectations

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

4. Be Content in Every Season

Philippians 4:11-12 (NKJV)

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

5. Letting Go of Control

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

6. God Works Everything for Good

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

7. Let God Be Your Satisfaction

Psalm 37:4 (NKJV)

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

8. Surrender Brings Rest

Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

9. God’s Plans Are Good

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

10. Fix Your Eyes on Eternity

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV)

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Unrealistic expectations lead to frustration, but trust in God leads to peace. Instead of focusing on what we think should happen, we must align ourselves with His will. When we surrender our plans, let go of control, and trust that His ways are higher, we find true joy, contentment, and rest. Let today be the day you release your expectations and embrace God’s perfect plan for your life. His promises never fail, and His ways are always good.

CCLI: 21943673

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