What Are You Expecting?
Sermon Notes
Our expectations have a powerful influence on how we experience life. They shape what we notice, how we interpret situations, how we treat others, and even what we believe is possible for ourselves. Sometimes we expect disappointment because we think it will protect us from being hurt. But when we continually expect the worst, we may begin living as though disappointment has already arrived.
In Unity, we teach that our thoughts and beliefs have power. However, there is an important difference between expecting good and trying to control outcomes. Positive thinking does not guarantee that everything will happen according to our plans. Illness, loss, injustice, and other people's choices are not evidence of spiritual failure. Our spiritual power lies in choosing the consciousness with which we meet life's experiences.
Charles Fillmore defined spiritual expectation as:
“Anticipation of divine good.”
This does not mean expecting everyone to behave as we wish or believing that life will always be easy. It means trusting that Divine Wisdom, Love, and Guidance are available to us in every circumstance.
Four Stages of Spiritual Consciousness
Spiritual teacher Michael Bernard Beckwith describes four stages of consciousness that help us understand how our expectations influence our lives.
1. To Me — Victim Consciousness
We believe life is happening to us. We feel powerless, blame circumstances, and expect disappointment based on past experiences.
2. By Me — Personal Empowerment
We recognize that our thoughts, beliefs, and choices matter. We begin using prayer, affirmations, and spiritual principles to create positive changes. However, we may mistakenly believe we should be able to control everything.
3. Through Me — Divine Guidance
We release our need to control outcomes and become receptive to Divine Wisdom working through us. Instead of asking how to make life do what we want, we ask, “How can Divine Love work through me in this situation?”
4. As Me — Consciousness of Oneness
We recognize our oneness with God. Love and peace are no longer things we are waiting for the world to provide. They are qualities of our Divine nature that we are here to express.
We move between these stages throughout our lives. Spiritual growth involves becoming increasingly aware of our consciousness and choosing to return to a higher perspective.
Our Expectations of Others
Expectations can create unnecessary suffering in relationships. We often expect people to think like us, understand us, or behave according to our wishes. Yet we cannot control another person's choices or spiritual growth.
We can love others, recognize their Divine potential, and encourage their growth while maintaining healthy boundaries.
Expect the Divine potential in people, but don't make your happiness depend upon their living up to your expectations.
Psychological research on expectancy effects demonstrates that our beliefs about others can influence how we interact with them. When we expect someone to fail, we may approach them differently than when we believe in their abilities.
Sometimes what needs to change isn't the person we're looking at. It's the way we're looking at them.
This principle also applies to our expectations of ourselves. Statements such as “I'm too old,” “I've always been this way,” or “Nothing ever works out for me” can become limiting beliefs that prevent us from recognizing new possibilities.
Romans 12:2 reminds us:
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Transformation begins when we become willing to change the beliefs and expectations through which we view ourselves and our world.
Practicing Divine Expectancy
Spiritual expectancy means beginning each day with the belief that good is possible. We can expect guidance, opportunities for growth, and the inner strength to meet life's challenges.
It does not mean denying difficult circumstances. We can acknowledge pain, disappointment, and injustice while remaining open to wisdom, healing, and positive change.
Jesus taught in Matthew 7:7:
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”
Faith involves participation. We pray, take action, and remain receptive to possibilities. Sometimes we become so attached to a particular outcome that we overlook other opportunities for good.
Have a vision. Take action. Expect good. And leave room for God to surprise you.
Three Questions for Spiritual Practice
As you move through the coming week, ask yourself:
What am I expecting? Am I anticipating disappointment, difficulty, or failure—or am I open to new possibilities?
Is my expectation coming from faith or fear? Am I allowing past experiences to determine what I believe is possible today?
How would I live differently if I truly expected Divine Good? Would I be more compassionate, courageous, forgiving, or willing to try something new?
Become the Good You Expect
The greatest power of spiritual expectancy is not that it guarantees we will get everything we want. It is that it frees us to become who we are meant to be.
We do not have to wait for the world to become peaceful before expressing peace. We do not have to wait for others to become loving before offering love. We can begin expressing the qualities of God right where we are.
Expect love—and be loving.
Expect kindness—and be kind.
Expect peace—and become a presence of peace.
Expect possibilities—and have the courage to act upon them.
When we anticipate Divine Good, we become more receptive to recognizing it and more willing to express it.
We stop waiting for the good and begin participating in it.
BE THE GOOD YOU ARE EXPECTING.
Affirmation
I expect Divine Good in my life. I release fear and limitation, open my heart to new possibilities, and become an expression of the love, peace, and abundance of God.
