Expectations To Restoration
- Kelsey Sigmon
- Jun 27, 2024
- 3 min read
“Thankfully, that disappointment can’t hold us down, not for long at least. Because God. He is the difference.”
“For my part, brothers and sisters, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, since you were not yet ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready.” 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 (CSB)
The school year was coming to a close, and we were excitedly awaiting the arrival of summer break. We jumped right in, soaking up every moment of summer, and everything that comes with it. It didn’t take long before I remembered that being home over the summer needed structure with some established expectations.
Before devices are allowed, our kids are expected to spend some time reading a book of their choice, and also listen to or watch a devotional. We set these expectations to plant the seeds of specific actions and behaviors we want to develop in our children, knowing the benefits of beginning your day in God’s Word.
We set these expectations for the good of our kids, because we want to instill that habit in them at a young age. There are some days when they thrive within the expectations. Those days, I sit back, sip my coffee, and think, wow. It's working. Those little seeds we planted are growing our little babies into healthy, happy, kids.
Then there are the days when their human instincts take over. They snatch something from the hands of their sibling, they choose hurtful words, or they just can’t seem to “make a better choice”. It’s those days when I can't help but feel disappointed. Like all those little seeds we planted have withered away.
It’s in these moments that I can empathize with Paul in this verse. You can sense his disappointment. The Message version even begins with “But for right now, friends, I’m completely frustrated”
Same, Paul. Same.
We’ve been there. We put in the hours, the effort, and what feels like all we have into raising our kids. We planted the seeds, and tended to every need, so they can grow into the adults we pray they will become. Paul’s disappointment isn’t that different from our own. He put in the hours, the effort, and his God-given knowledge into these people. Teaching them how God instructs us to live as “spiritual people”, establishing the expectations for their actions and behaviors now as followers of Christ. I can just imagine how “completely frustrated” Paul must have been when they fell short of expectations.
Thankfully, that disappointment can’t hold us down, not for long at least. Because God. He is the difference.
He is the difference between guilt and glory.
He is the difference between shame and acceptance.
He is the difference between disappointment and forgiveness.
He is the difference because only He has the power to restore.
Action Step:
Did you have a moment yesterday where you fell short of an expectation? Or is there a time from your past that haunts you? If so, give it to Him. Allow Him to be the difference that restores you.
When you’re struggling with frustration at your children, remember the restoration God has put you through. How does that change the way you view your children in these moments?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You, Lord, for the truths You have laid on our hearts today. We thank You for the reminder that when we fall short of expectations, and we begin to sink with feelings of disappointment, guilt, or shame, we can look to You. We look to You Lord, seek Your guidance, and pray that the Holy Spirit will restore us, and lead us to a life that glorifies Your power, Your goodness, and Your perfection. Amen.
Written by Kelsey, mom of 2