For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

- Jeremiah 29:11

Expectations. We have expectations of what life will be like and how things will go. Where we will be at a certain point in life or what we will be doing.

But what happens when our expectations don’t meet the reality of our daily lives?

Then what do we do? How do we avoid becoming discouraged when those things we hold close to our hearts remain unanswered or unmet?

It sounds so simple, but the more we look at our circumstances, the more difficult it can be to gain encouragement.

Our circumstances can keep our eyes off God, who He is, and what He can do.

Our struggles are not only about our situations; they are also spiritual in nature.

God uses hard times to grow us and help us become the people He desires us to be.

He wants good for our lives. However, His good is not always what we hope for, but we can be sure it is always for our best.

If you are struggling to overcome a difficulty today, can you trust God? Can you lean on the promises in His Word and the past times He has shown Himself faithful to you?

Remember, God loves you so much more than you could ever imagine. Therefore, you can trust His heart and plans for your life.

Prayer: Jesus, help my unbelief. Remind me of your continued faithfulness in my life and allow this struggle to be one that I see how you work your goodness in my life. Amen.

With Love,
Sherry Shepherd