Expectations ≠ Experience

We have great expectations. That is, we have plans that we think will work out, well, according to plan. We believe that there is a high expectation that we will meet our objectives satisfactorily, and on time. But, it rarely works out that way. 

There is a theorem in the field of statistics that says there is a high probability of low probability events. A low-probability event is one that rarely happens. Perhaps it has never happened to you before - things like a flat tire or car accident; a sudden illness or injury; a cancellation or firing, and on and on. There is a high probability of one of these events, not because they are common, but because there are so many possibilities. And any one of these low probability events can become a major distraction or interruption that delays your quest to accomplish what you have planned.

Of course, this applies to your own plans When it comes to God’s plans for you and me, they are high probability events. And those low probability distractions - those are part of God’s plan as well. They are designed, not to help you meet all of your own expectations, but to provide you with a God-designed experience that teaches you what He knows that you need to know, about trust, and patience, and humility, and on and on.

Romans 5:3-4 gives a description of the Christian life that mentions tribulations. 

3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

Now, when you and I plan out our great expectations, we rarely include tribulations. But God does. And then the text gives a small string of benefits that come from the living out of tribulation. The first one is “patience” or “endurance.” When we face opposition or obstacle in the pursuit of our “great expectation,” we sometimes just scratch the whole plan. But God’s design is that we persist through tribulation in His plan so that we learn patience. Further, the string includes “proven character,” or, in the King James version, “experience.” We are changed by the experience. We become “experienced.” Our character becomes more like Christ, and we develop greater resilience and stability in order to continue on in our Christlikeness and service for Christ.

The next word in the string is “hope.” God’s promise for our future is the greatest expectation imaginable. It is God’s plan that you travel through experience in order to get to expectation, both defined and designed by God, who is good.