Today, we’re discussing something a bit different—our responsibility, as Christians, to manage our expectations. This means ensuring that our life experiences don’t dictate our expectations of God. Let’s declare this together:

“I will not allow my life experiences to shape my expectations of God.”

This is a daily choice we must make. Many broken relationships stem from unmet or unrealistic expectations. Too often, we rely on others to fulfill needs that only God can meet. We also create idealized scenarios in our minds—expecting everything to unfold like a perfect movie—only to be disappointed when reality doesn’t match our imagination.

The Battle and the Blessing: An Integrated Faith

Isaiah 27 presents a powerful contrast. In verse 1, there is a battle:

“In that day, the Lord will punish with His sword…”

A sword signifies conflict. If life were effortless, there would be no need for a sword. Yet, in verse 2, there is also a song:

“In that day, sing about a fruitful vineyard.”

Notice this: the battle and the blessing happen on the same day. This truth shifts our mindset. Instead of waking up and thinking, “It’s going to be one of those days,” we embrace the reality that every day holds both challenges and victories.

Earlier today, I almost let something minor throw me off—my hair wasn’t cooperating. I actually thought, “How can I preach if my hair is flat?” Absurd, right? Here I am, with the Word of God and the Spirit of God, and yet I allowed something as small as a bad hair day to shake my confidence.

This highlights an important lesson: It doesn’t take much to steal our hopeful expectation—unless we guard it.

Your Expectation is Your Responsibility

No one else has the power to ruin your day—unless you allow them to. Psalm 118:24 reminds us:

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

If God created this day, no one else has the right to destroy it. I used to tell people, “You made my day,” when they sent me kind messages. But I stopped saying that. If someone has the power to make my day, they also have the power to break it with a single text. Instead, my joy comes from God alone.

Let’s start every day this year by declaring:

“This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Expect the Blessing, Accept the Mess

The challenge is to remain hopeful—while making space for disappointment. You may be wondering, “Which one is it?” The answer is: both. Expect God’s blessings, but also acknowledge that life is messy.

In Isaiah 27, there’s a battle—a sword in verse 1. But in verse 2, there’s a song. Everyone is fighting something. Every person here has a “Leviathan”—a struggle, a hidden battle. The enemy is deceptive, just like the Leviathan described in scripture—a coiling, gliding serpent.

We often hide our struggles behind outward appearances. New clothes, a fresh hairstyle, or even a confident smile can mask the burdens we carry. But while we fight these battles, God calls us to sing about the fruit He is producing in our lives.

The Bigger the Battle, the Bigger the Blessing

Here’s a powerful truth: The size of the fight is a preview of the size of the fruit. If you’re facing a big challenge, it’s because a big blessing is coming. So instead of shrinking back in fear or frustration, embrace the process.

High-five someone and say, “It’s going to be big, baby!”

Stay hopeful. Stay expectant. The fight is real—but so is the fruit.