Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the expectations put on Christ-followers?
• feed the homeless, help the orphans and widows, visit the prisoners
• fight for justice
• go to Africa
• reach out to neighbors
• cook meals, clean house
• be a loving spouse, raise godly offspring
• and don’t forget to put together shoe boxes at Christmas
All good things but the list never ends.
Did you know that Jesus accomplished everything God wanted him to do on earth? John 17:4
He too faced expectations from others. But in order to say “Yes” to God, he had to say “No” to some legitimate needs of the people. Jesus did not meet every need of every person in the entire country of Israel. That was not his purpose. And neither is it yours.
What did Jesus model for us?
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, Let’s go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’” Mark 1:35-38
Noting the context, we find Jesus at the beginning of his ministry. He amazes the crowds as he heals the sick, drives out demons, and teaches with authority. There’s no ox in the ditch yet—in fact, business is booming.
What does Jesus do in the midst of his box-office status? He gets up early, leaves the house, and goes off to spend time with his Father—even while hunted by the paparazzi.
Jesus makes himself inaccessible for a time. There’s something more important than meeting people’s needs and fulfilling their expectations. If Jesus had a cell phone it would be off.
The disciples track down Jesus, “Everyone’s looking for you!”
Jesus’ response defies their logic, “Let’s go somewhere else.”
After meeting with His father, alone and undistracted, Jesus is focused on God’s agenda and doesn’t allow the demands of others to divert his attention. He continues the purpose for which he came.
What’s the application for us?
The Son of God needed time alone with His father even when things were going well. How much more do we? If we want to fulfill the purpose God has for us, it requires habitual, undistracted time alone with him, so we can recalibrate, refocus on his agenda, and not be chained to the expectations of others. Give yourself permission to be inaccessible for a time. Don’t feel compelled to respond immediately to every text that comes in. Fill your calendar with the tasks God has confirmed. Learn to say “No” to others, so you can say “Yes” to God.
Many times I am overwhelmed by the expectations of others. I long for that appreciation from others, and try to measure up. Many times those expectations are only what I think they are expecting, but often not really coming from others, but from me only. Just yesterday I prayed for God to teach me to overcome this. Then last night, in the middle of the night, I woke up and the Lord placed these thoughts in my mind. 1. If you are comparing yourself to others, and/or trying to be the way they want you to be; you are aiming too low. Jesus’s expectations are what we should aim for. 2. You have no control over what other people think of you. So many times I do try to do things to get people to think a certain way, but that is wrong. I need to be led by the Holy Spirit, not other people. 3. I have no control over what God thinks of me. I can not make Him love me more, nor can I do anything to make Him love me less. I need to rest in His love. As I meet His expectations, then I am in the right place no matter what others say. Still learning . . . Thanks for this post that tied even more helpful advice from Him in.
Hi Joy, Trying to meet the expectations of others is a trap we ALL fall into. That’s why Proverbs warns, “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25. One reason its a trap is because we don’t see it coming. We fall into it without realizing our vulnerability.
This has so much truth in it and it goes so deep. The “do’s” of true Christianity and the “do’s of “Religion” can sometimes be jumbled up and depending on how we were raised or what teaching we get, it can be so confusing to know when we are doing ENOUGH. Is there ever ENOUGH? This post is a fantastic reminder of what is important, so that the rest will become clear and we don’t miss hearing Gods voice because we are huffing and puffing from all our busy work.
Yes, we’re all worn out from too much huffing and puffing. Rest in Jesus!
So true! Just what I needed just at this moment. Thank you for the reminder.