Last week during my devotions I was reading the story of the the first Passover. One verse jumped out at me, and really struck me like never before.
25 It will come to pass when you come to the land which the LORD will give you, just as He promised, that you shall keep this service. Exodus 12:25
In this passage the Lord is giving directions about the Passover, and how it is to be observed…but did you notice…He said, “when you come to the land.” The Lord knew full well what was going to happen, He knew that the children of Israel wouldn’t be able to keep the Passover while wondering in the desert. I was overcome by God’s tenderness, love, and realistic expectations that He place on His children. He isn’t an unreasonable demanding God that requires things of His children that are impossible.
Sometimes, I think I do that to my kiddos. I forget that they are only human – just like me. And that they are going to mess up – just like me. And that they aren’t always going to be on their best behavior – just like Mr. OverKill. Just kidding!!!!
I think I also do this to myself. I put expectations upon myself that are unrealistic. Oh sure, I can accomplish my list of 25 things to do after we finish school and then make a 6 course meal for dinner. Yeah, I can do that…Not! And then, when I don’t accomplish the monumental task list, I feel like an utter failure.
This can also apply to friends and relatives…spouses….and pastors, gasp and their wives!
We (and that definitely includes me) need to remember our Heavenly Father and His wisdom in not setting unrealistic expectations on the ones He loves.
But lets look at this from another angle. The Lord isn’t going to ask us to do something that we are literally incapable of doing. Isn’t that comforting?
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
The things that we struggle with, that weigh us down, and discourage our heart, we can overcome them, with His help. The issues aren’t too big, the Christian life isn’t too hard, obedience is possible, when we look to the character of our loving Savior, He will not ask of you what is impossible.