Everyone has expectations. Expectations for ourselves, our kids, our bosses, our family & friends—even, and especially, expectations for God. But expectations often don’t translate into reality. And when that happens—when our expectations don't match our experiences—frustration enters the picture, along with anger, depression and hopelessness. But what if we saw our edited expectations as “Divine Detours?” What if we embraced them as opportunities for God to show up in bigger and better ways than ever before?

You don’t have to live very long to realize that other people will have expectations for you. They will expect you to look, talk, act, and live a certain way. And if you’re not careful, you may find yourself adjusting your life to live up to other’s expectations. But true fulfillment is not found by editing your life for the approval of others, but by living life for an audience of One.

Talking Points Discussion Guide

Message Notes

“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar...and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa...Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah.”
Matthew 1:1-3, 6-7, 10 NIV

The “Mess” In Messiah

“To avoid (expectations), say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” — Aristotle (edited)

If Jesus fell short of others’ expectations, should I expect anything different?

My mess is an opportunity for God to show off.

Where you’ve been matters.
Who you are matters more.

Who Jesus says I am overrides who you think I should be.