TEXT: Prov 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
It used to be that a girl was groomed for marriage from a young age, and the purpose of college was to get a MRS. degree. Today things have changed considerably, but there is still a culturally induced pressure to many among us and conform to the norm of living in this world.
Sometimes we often feel that we are doing something "wrong," aren't good enough, or God isn't hearing our prayers if we cannot do what we wish to accomplished.
How to cope with other people's expectations:
1.) Don't feel guilty. Stand emotionally on your own. Don't let others put you on a guilt trip because you don't measure up to their expectations.
3.) Make choices that are in line with what God wants you do to. Don't blame circumstances or others for your present condition. Choose to make things happen. Use your God-given power of determination to decide how you're going to act and react to the circumstances of life.
4.) Set goals for your life. Break them down into one-step-at-a-time modules. Studies show that only 29% of all family men have any real goals for their lives. (E.g. join a group at church, learn a hobby, get a degree, work in the community.)
5.) Do something positive every day. Go out of your way to dispense kindness. Don't let marital status be an obstacle. When you "do" for others, you will forget your "self."
6.) Start being honest - all of the time. It's OK to say, "Look, it is hard to live honestly in these times?? When you see dishonesty everyday ?its all around us. BUT AS A CHRISTIAN, we must love the truth at all times. Yes, it is hard but not impossible.
7.) Break out of the routine. Do something every day that is entirely your choice and decision. (E.g. eat something new and different, take a different route to work, start a hobby, volunteer at a homeless shelter.)
8.) Bring your pain and frustration regarding others' expectations to the Lord. He hears, understands, knows the feelings of hostility, hurt, and anger, the smart of rejections and the loneliness of pain. He cares and He can give you the strength and courage to live life as a single.
May this lesson be a blessing to you all. And if you have any question, just E-mail me now... Dr. R. Layco