Why Expectation Can Be Deadly

Hope

It is hope that kills a man. We hope too much for things to happen, yet rarely take the actions needed to make them happen. From my perspective, hope destroys more people than fear. Sometimes, the two collaborate to crush a person, but it is hope that delivers the final blow. Hope is a deceiver in disguise. It lures you into burning bridges before you even finish crossing the river.

Action Matters More 

Relying on a deity for protection, success, and progress is natural. Most people pray, seeking divine favor and waiting for results. But looking to God alone will not pay bills, make one wealthy, or ensure academic success. God may work in mysterious ways, but He does not reward laziness. The principle is clear throughout the Bible: effort must accompany faith.

The Story of Dawg

Take Dawg, for example. He does not study for his exams and has struggled academically in the past. Yet, he prays daily and considers himself a good student—except in performance. When exam results come out below his expectations, he blames God and contemplates quitting school. Dawg represents many who hope to leap from their current circumstances to better ones without putting in the necessary work.Some get lucky through sheer chance, finding “greener pastures.” But for the majority, hope without action turns sour;leaving them stranded, frustrated, or bitter.

The Danger of Unfulfilled Expectations

Most people who take extreme actions, even suicide, often do so because of unmet expectations. They may have expected wealth, lasting relationships, or freedom from difficult circumstances. Hoping for something is not inherently bad,the danger lies in how we respond when our hopes are not fulfilled. Do we give up, double our efforts, or seek someone to blame?

Hope as a Contractor

I see hope as a contractor promising to build a beautiful bungalow. If the house is perfect, you pay nothing. If there are flaws, you pay double. That is the paradox of hope: the greater the expectation, the greater the potential disappointment. Learning to limit expectations or even reduce them to zero is a skill few master.

Prepare for Reality

Expect betrayal, surprises, and changes in how people treat you. Anticipate challenges, and you will be less likely to be shattered when they occur. Life demands flexibility: change or perish. Choose wisely.