Luke 17:20-21,  "Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, "Here it is," or "There it is," because the kingdom of God is in your midst.'"

Think

"God's way works!" Have you ever had an expectation that was not met? Or maybe the expectation was met, but not in the way you envisioned. It can be very frustrating and confusing. The religious leaders of Jesus' day were experiencing that same disconnect. You see, they had an understanding that the kingdom of God was going to be an earthly kingdom where the Messiah would be an all-powerful ruler. To their dismay, Jesus himself was the kingdom of God, and quite frankly he was not what they expected or wanted. But ... he was what they needed. Do you find yourself putting expectations on God? "I'll be married by this time, and have kids by this time." or "I'll have my master's degree by the time I'm 25 and my own business when I'm 29." There is nothing wrong with goals and expectations! In fact, it's important to have something to strive for. But, don't be surprised if God meets those expectations in ways you aren't expecting. He knows what is best for us and is able to do more than we can ask or imagine!

Act

List the expectations you have right now. Next to each one write, "God's plan is perfect for me!" Let it serve as a reminder that no matter how God meets your expectations, his way works!

Pray

God, thank you having my best interest in mind. I know it may not always be what I envision, but I trust the plan and purpose you have for me!