Unmet Expectations: Reshaping our Thinking in Disappointments, Trials, and Delays

Tell me more! What is Unmet Expectations about?

“I didn't think it would be like this.” — “It's not what I expected.” — “If only my life were different.” — “That's not how I planned it.”

Plain and simple, life doesn’t always turn out the way we imagined. Unmet Expectations: Reshaping our Thinking in Disappointments, Trials, and Delays shows how we can respond in God-glorifying ways when circumstances seem to fall far short of desired hopes and expectations. In Unmet Expectations, we learn that God’s plan for our lives is often far different than we ever expected it to be. Yet, the upending of our plans is one of the means God uses to draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. Using practical, biblical counsel from the Scriptures, we are given the tools we need to leave behind discouragement, frustration, or any other sinful responses that can develop when circumstances aren’t what we hoped. We learn that contentment and satisfaction can be ours, even if the Lord allows unfulfilled expectations to remain.

Each chapter in Unmet Expectations looks to the Scriptures for the life-transforming help only God can give. This book is designed to be an aid to growth, which is why inductive Bible study questions accompany each chapter, providing even more treasures from God’s Word for hope and encouragement. 

Who should read this book?

I had such a wonderful time talking with Dr. Shelbi Cullen and Kimberly Cummings about Unmet Expectations!

Click on the Picture to hear the discussion.

This book is for every woman! It can easily be used as an aid to your own personal devotions, for discipleship, Bible study, and counseling. Because this book gets to heart issues, any woman who is breathing will find something to benefit her because the content constantly draws from the life-transforming Word of God.

When will the book be available?

Unmet Expectations: Reshaping our Thinking in Disappointments, Trials, and Delays is now available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon and through Shepherd Press.

What others are saying:

“Lisa Hughes, author of God’s Priorities for Today’s Woman has done it again in writing an excellent resource for women. Not only does she challenge the reader regarding unbiblical responses toward unmet expectations, she also assists the reader with understanding the heart and offering biblical practical help. Get it and be blessed by it!” –Dr. Shelbi Cullen, Biblical Counselor and Professor of Biblical Studies, The Master’s University

“Lisa skillfully reveals the depth of sin in our hearts when we place our hope in this life and our own expectations, instead of placing our hope in God and His Word.” –Josie Padilla, Biblical Counselor and head of women’s counseling, First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida

“With biblical accuracy and practical application, Lisa Hughes helps women expose the desires and expectations of their hearts and deal with them in way that pleases God. For those desiring to change, this book will be life changing!” –Beth Mack de Swardt, pastor’s wife and biblical counselor

“Should be put at the top of your list of required readings.” –Mrs. Judy Zemek, Director of Women’s Ministries, Grace Immanuel Bible Church, Jupiter, Florida

“An important book for today’s Christian women. Grab your cup, your Bible, and settle in for a good time of mentoring from Lisa as she connects so many dots for our Christian lives today as we grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” –Barbara Barrick, wife of Dr. William D. Barrick, professor at The Master’s Seminary, seminary wives leader, women’s ministry director, mother, grandmother

I had such a great time talking with adam Miller of SongTime Radio about Unmet Expectations and what to do Next when they crop up in our lives.

click on the picture to hear the interview!

“How should a Christian woman respond to life’s inevitable difficulties and disappointments? This biblically-based, God-honoring, down-to-earth, practical guide encourages those who aspire to consistently practice a godly contentment in an imperfect world.” –“B” Mayhue, formerly, the Seminary Wives Director at The Master’s Seminary, pastor and ministry wife, discipler, Bible teacher

Christi Rose and I jumped right into the deep end in our chat about unmet expectations, singleness, contentment, and the Lord’s goodness! What a treasured time!

Click on the picture to hear our conversation.

“Reading Lisa’s book is like sitting down with your best friend and sharing your heart, your disappointments, your hurts and reactions when your expectations aren’t met. As you sit down with Lisa, you’ll find she understands and offers you help from the Scripture, so that you come away encouraged and knowing how to deal Biblically with your unmet expectations in a way that will bring glory to God.” —Carol Mack, Bible teacher and co-author of multiple books with her husband, Dr. Wayne Mack

“Lisa has broached a subject that few authors have tackled: how to deal with our hearts when disappointments come and often linger. She boldly encourages the believer that it is possible to be content, even when life is different than we expected. Read this book with the expectation to be challenged and find great help in your walk with Christ.” –Janie Street, Biblical Counselor and co-author of The Biblical Counseling Guide for Women

“This book is for women who want to grow in their sanctification and knowledge of Christ, and who are brave enough to take an honest look at their heart.” –Barby Woodfield, wife of Pastor Andy Woodfield, Hickman Community Church

“How do you react when life does not go as planned? Lisa takes us on an adventure—exploring Biblical text and examples so we can redeem life’s disappointments, grow in our trust of God and bring glory to Christ in our responses to life’s difficulties. A rich resource to encourage and equip women in the church.” –Missy Mehringer, pastor’s wife, Bible teacher, discipler, mother, grandmother

“Wonderfully convicting in all the best ways! With Biblical accuracy, Lisa pulls back the curtain to let us take a long hard look at the roots of our unmet expectations. This will be a must-read for the women in my ministry to help them break free from the darkness of unmet expectations!” –Kris Goertzen, Women’s Ministry Director, international conference speaker and Bible teacher

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God’s Priorities for Today’s Woman: Discovering His Plan for You

So…what is God’s Priorities for Today’s Woman all about?

The short answer? The book is a detailed look at Titus 2:3-5 where God reveals how every woman can bring Him glory.

In Titus 2:3-5 we see God’s will for all a women recorded in a few verses. And in a few short verses, we learn about the most important things—to God—that every woman should make as the focus and aim of her heart and life.

What can you expect from God’s Priorities for Today’s Woman?

You can expect to learn from God Himself through His preserved, objective, and unerring Word about how He wants every woman to live. This book is filled with goodies gleaned in my studies of these 3 short verses. Titus 2:3-5 is full of hidden treasure that must be mined before it yields its gems. Each chapter takes an in-depth look at one of these precious priorities, but that’s not all. Each chapter also has an attached Bible study to use on your own, in discipleship, or for a Bible study group.

Why write a book on priorities?

I had been a Christian for about 10 years when I decided I had better start studying the “women's passages” of the Bible so I would know and understand what God desired women to do and be. Titus 2:3-5 was my starting point, where I wrote a Bible study series on each of the qualities listed in those verses. And so began the exciting journey of discovering God's will–His priorities–for women of all ages and situations.

As I taught and shared my findings with other women about God's priorities for their lives, I found that they were freed up from fear or guilt that they somehow weren't living the way God wanted them to. Others learned what God desired for their lives–for the first time! While others welcomed the reminders of how to live God's way, according to His priorities. Knowing what God desires for you, and for every woman, brings confidence and encouragement that you are living just the way God wants.

Exciting developments!

I recently acquired the rights to do an audiobook version of God’s Priorities for Today’s Woman! I’m thrilled I was able to do this, so the book can be made available in a whole new way and to a new generation of Titus 2 ladies!