Sharing this post again today as I pick up a copy of Holley Gerth’s new book!

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Today Holley asked the question, “Where do you think pressure to be perfect comes from and what can we do about it”?

My pressure comes from……………

Expectations.

This word is overwhelming my heart, mind and soul today.

I’m expecting certain things that just are not happening and it has me wondering, pondering, contemplating, asking questions and crying out to God for help.

Am I expecting too much? Are my expectations unreasonable? Why do I expect so much of myself? Do I expect too much of others? What can I do to align my expectations with God’s plan and purpose for my life?

I’ve realized over the years that many of the expectations I have placed on myself and others have come from disappointments. Disappointments have created a desire in me to “make things better”. And sometimes that “better” is nothing more than an unrealistic expectation of perfection that I place on myself. Oh, what a heavy weight to live under! It’s a fierce circle of chasing a cat’s tail and never catching the prize! A circle of devastation that leaves me empty and crying out!

I expect. I chase. I fall short. I become disappointed.

I want to stop the cycle! Stop the chase of having great expectations that end in disillusionment, regret and disappointment.

Pause with me for prayer.

Lord, You are good and your mercy endures forever. Let my heart desire You and You alone. For your promises are real, true and loving. You will always do more than I could ever imagine. May I eagerly await your answers with great expectations, trusting that you will never leave or forsake me. Forgive me when I am failing to see your glory, your goodness, your plan and your amazing love for all that it is~ Amen.

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“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.” Psalm 62:5-7

Let’s stop a moment and consider the following:

  • God does not expect us to be perfect. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;…” Romans 3:23-24
  • God does not expect us to do things in our own strength. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor. 12:9-110
  • God does not expect us to walk alone. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27
  • God does not expect us to rely on ourselves or others. Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6

What are you expecting of yourself today? Are you expecting to be the perfect wife, mother, co-worker, friend, ministry leader, party planner, homemaker, student, scholar, artist…? Put away the word perfect. It leads to unrealistic expectations. It leads to disappointment.

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Are you trying expecting to do everything in your own strength? Let God’s power perfect your weaknesses. Call upon His name and trust that He is the strength that you need when your own is sure to fail.

Sweet sister if you are like me and you feel that perhaps your own expectations are setting you up for disappointment and leading you on a chase that never ends, join with me in prayer today to stop the cycle! Put an end to the depending on ourselves. Put an end to chasing perfect. Perfect has come. He is near. He is loving, kind and good and always available. He is Jesus! And He expects nothing more than for you to rest in His love!

~ Jodie

We are having coffee for you heart with my friends Holly Gerth!

We are having coffee for you heart with my friends Holly Gerth!

http://holleygerth.com/

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