Poverty Paycheque

Have you been given a poverty paycheque?

What do we mean by this phrase? You may be thinking we are referring to physical monetary value for the exchange of work. But, this phrase actually has some deeper implications that can prevent us from living life at its full caliber.

Firstly, we’ve all been in a place where we have felt like we have been short changed by the people around us or even worse; by God. When it comes to relationships around us, the people we spend time with most can sometimes leave us with some unfulfilled expectations and disappointment. Expectations are a tricky things to navigate and can leave us feeling low if not dealt with right away when they are not satisfied.

Expectations can be broken down into three categories: Expectations that we have made in our minds but have not actually vocalized them to the people around us; expectations that are impossible and unattainable for people to even reach, and finally, expectations that are vocalized but are not communicated or explained well. When one or more of these categories are met, disappointment slides in and we are quick to blame God and others for this misfire.

A second major issue that we can become engulfed in, that is the most detrimental and hazardous, is having disappointment towards God. Don’t fall in the trap! There are two categories where this can occur. It can first happen when we sow our hope in Christ and it feels like He will never meet our expectations as you find yourself waiting for long periods of time for His provision. Or, He has met our hope, but something suddenly changes and we find ourselves back to where we started in the beginning. Why would He do something like that?

Friends, a major lesson we can all agree on is growth. We are all still growing and understanding the plans and intentions of God, His heart, and His direction for us. Nothing is ever for waste or forgotten about. He sees it ALL. Nothing we walk through or go through is without growth in strength, courage, or even bravery. How triumphant we are to look back at situations and say, “God, how did I ever get through that without you?”

When expectations are not delivered to us, the disappointment that occurs later can also reveal our heart’s true character, where our faith is, and where it might need to be stretched a bit. It can also prevent us from walking in obedience in Christ and His greater plan for you. Again, it always comes back to growth.

Psalm 119:116 says,

“Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed.”

Scripture also points to Romans 8:28,

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

There is always a good outcome we can be sure of. He is always faithful and walks beside us in every moment of our lives. Continue to pursue His heart and you will be able to see situations differently. A new perspective shaped in the lens of Christ will allow us to humble ourselves before Christ and before others around us where it will become impossible to be offended when unfulfilled expectations come our way. God will always wait with an anticipation for us no matter the cost, and will pay the way even in times when a debt of disappointment is in our chequebook. When it seems as though we’ve been shortchanged by life, God turns around and says, “Keep the change.”

And so, we leave you with this Word,

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You,” (Psalm 9:9-10).