Getting our expectations right in the Christian life is crucial. This is especially the case when the storm hits. When pain, sickness, loss, bereveament or some other calamity hits, if our expectaions are wonky, then we could be on our way to a shipwreck.
J. C. Ryle has some helpful words to remember when the storm breaks:
Jesus has not promised us an easy life now. In fact, we are promised exactly the opposite, we are told that "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22). The Christian can be sure of this that the Christian life is not a straight and easy line to glory, but they shall get there - God makes sure of this. When we stand in glory we shall look back on every storm and we shall praise Him all the more. Not only because God has preserved us in Christ through every overwhelming wave, but also for the unnumberable blessings that He has brought to us by each and every wave. Therefore, even though we may not see it now, let us look by faith and learn to say "it is good for me that I was afflicted."If we are true Christians, we must not expect everything smooth in our journey to heaven. We must count it no strange thing, if we have to endure sicknesses, losses, bereavements, and disappointments, just like other people. Free pardon and full forgiveness, grace by the way and glory to the end – all this our Savior has promised to give. But He has never promised that we shall have no afflictions. He loves us too well to promise that.
By affliction He teaches us many precious lessons, which without it we should never learn. By affliction He shows us our emptiness and weakness, draws us to the throne of grace, purifies our affections, weans us from the world and makes us long for heaven. In the resurrection morning we shall all say, ‘it is good for me that I was afflicted.’ [Psalm 119:71] We shall thank God for every storm.
