Many of the disappointments in our lives are the result of misplaced or wrong expectations. Our expectations are often based on our desires and/or bad information. For example, we’ve been told for so long that “anything is possible to those who dream,” that we believe it. The reality buster is harsh. Sometimes we dream about things that are just silly for us. I’m a fairly optimistic person and strange things do happen but I don’t think professional athletics have ever been or will ever be in my future. Facing the reality of life can be harsh. Some people never get around to it. I’ve preached about the event we are studying on Sunday over 20 times. Every time I think about Jesus heading down the Mt. of Olives into Jerusalem on that Palm Sunday I’m impressed with His courage, compassion and commitment to the Father’s will. He had made His intentions clear, the symbol He used to reveal His character and purpose was not hard to understand. Yet, the crowd who wanted a better government and a better leadership looked past the intentions of God to their own expectations. Of course some of them would come to believe but many of them would leave disappointed. People are still disappointed with God on a regular basis—I have been too. As I look at my disappointment though, I realize that I had expectations that were contrary to His stated promises. I am free to ask for virtually anything but not free to expect everything I ask for. Asking for something “in Jesus’ name” does not mean using His name as a rabbit’s foot or magical incantation, it means that we are basing our request on His reputation and promise. We will receive what we ask for when He has made a promise. Millions of people can testify of His and provision in their hour of need. So, in addition to thinking about what you want from Jesus, think and pray about what you can expect. Don’t make the mistake of that crowd in Jerusalem that ended up sorely disappointed.