Desire vs. Expectation

Dr. Roy helpfully pointed out the difference between desire and expectation. He encouraged seminary students to have big desires for ministry, he warned against having expectations. If desires are not fulfilled, disappointment ensues, but if expectations are not meet, oftentimes the minister falls apart and becomes bitter and dissolutions.

I suppose some expectations are right. The “ earnest expectation” of the apostle Paul was that “Christ.. would be exalted in his body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” If our expectation that life and death are both equally valid stages upon which Christ can demonstrate his glory, it is hard to imagine how we could get bitter over unmet expectations.