As I watched my children running joyfully in the play area, I couldn’t help but contrast their merriment with the whirlwind of emotions within me. Their father, my husband, had just arrived with the news that he had been laid off from his job at the church. In an instant, we were no longer pastors, no longer serving in the ministry, and no longer walking the path I had envisioned. I found myself questioning if we were still ‘us.’

We, as followers of Christ, carry our visions and expectations of what our lives should be. We envision fulfillment, reward, safety, happiness, and even ease. However, when our reality does not match these expectations, we often feel that something must be amiss.

The truth is, as the Scripture indicates, our Christian journey is meant to be challenging, full of obstacles, and sometimes filled with suffering. These struggles are not a sign that something is wrong; they are the tests and trials that refine us, build our character, and deepen our faith.

Today, let’s spend some time confessing our expectations to God and acknowledging our confusion when life deviates from our plans. As we surrender our expectations to Him, let us ask for His help in accepting life as it is, with all its challenges and unexpected hardships. We can take comfort knowing that our struggles are not in vain; they are part of our journey towards the glory of God’s kingdom.