Jeremiah 42:10 (ESV)—If you will remain in this land, then I will build you up and not pull you down; I will plant you, and not pluck you up; for I relent of the disaster that I did to you.
The sloths, it seemed, did want to meet my expectation of big sloths, little sloths, sloths everywhere, hanging onto tree limbs, at a non-eye-straining distance in the rainforest canopy.
The sloth in the canopy of the Costa Rican rainforest looked more like a squirrel’s nest. The creature lay in a crook of branches, unmoving, the details of its fur visible only through a spotting scope.
Later in the guided nature walk, a baby sloth clung to a tree (or so the guide said), camouflaged in vines so well my eyes did not behold its cuteness.
And as if to tease me about the park’s name, Sloth Park, other creatures revealed themselves: a poisonous tree frog, a viper, plain chachalacas (a type of ground bird), and a bird of black feathers and bright red belly.
Speaking of expectations, the remnant of Judah in Jeremiah 42—survivors of Ishmael’s brutal slaughter of their governor, Gedeliah—held high expectations for settling in Egypt. Their minds conjured a peaceful land with tables full of bread. Yet God’s answer to Jeremiah’s prayer on their behalf did not meet their intention settle in Egypt (Jeremiah 41:17). When God said stay and live in Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem or go and die in Egypt, the leaders accused Jeremiah of lying (Jeremiah 43:2) and led the people, including Jeremiah, to Egypt.
We are fortunate to live under God’s watchful eye (Jeremiah 24:6) when our expectations contrast with his plan. To receive clear, exact instructions from God is a blessing, for sure, and by acting on his command, we await his best to play out in our lives. Our anticipation, then, becomes, how will he build us up and how will he plant us, rather than how can God meet our expectations?
With these questions in mind, how do we lay aside our expectations? By living out God’s command, which support us in awaiting his plan. For example, we might memorize and study a verse of Scripture that reminds us of his plan (e.g., Jeremiah 29:11), seek joy in our trials (James 1:2), or pray then pray some more (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Yes, the Bible is our guidebook to setting aside our expectations and living our best life.
