Reset Your Expectations: Five Heart Positions for Planning with God

Plan your year with God using five expectation shifts to hear God at work, lead with clarity, and build a purpose-driven kingdom business.

As we step into planning season: budgets, targets, Q1 priorities, calendars, strategy - it’s easy to think our future rests on spreadsheets and hustle. But Jesus reminds us: “We don’t live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

So when the Holy Spirit whispered to me last month, “Andy, it’s time to reset your expectations,” I knew He was inviting me (and now us) into something deeper than strategy: realignment.

I didn’t even realize my expectations needed resetting… which is literally the point. He sees what we don’t. And He knows what we’re walking into next.

In Luke 7, there are five people whose expectations collide with Jesus - five postures of the heart you and I will identify with as we plan next year.

Read them slowly. Ask the Lord, “Which one am I right now?” And then, most importantly, ask “What do I do about it?”

1. Expectation Rooted in His Authority

“Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” The Roman Centurion

This man had bold, healthy, faith-filled expectation. He understood authority - Jesus speaks, and reality shifts.

Maybe that’s you. You’ve had a strong year. You’ve seen breakthrough. You’re dreaming bigger. You believe, rightly, that nothing is impossible for God.

Action to take:
Don’t just plan the big goals.
Ask Jesus, “Where do You want deeper union in my life: marriage, family, rhythms, emotional health?”
Authority and affection always go together.

Dream big and deepen roots.

2. Expectation That Has Died

The widow of Nain walking out to bury her son

This woman wasn’t believing for anything - her expectation literally lay in a coffin.
Her future.
Her provision.
Her security.
Dead.

And Jesus walked toward her.

She didn’t pray.
She didn’t declare.
She didn’t fast.
Jesus initiated.

Some of you had something die this year:
A business line. A partnership. A dream. A relationship.
And you quietly buried the expectation along with it.

Action to take:
Pause. Let Jesus touch the places that died.
Ask Him: “What am I carrying to the grave that You want to resurrect?”
And receive His compassion - not condemnation.

Your dead places are not the end of your story.

3. Expectation That Has Become Confused

“Are You the One we are expecting, or should we look for another?” John the Baptist

John did everything right.
He obeyed.
He prepared the way.
He heard God clearly.
And yet he ended up in a prison cell, confused and discouraged.

This is where many leaders secretly live:
“Lord, You’re doing miracles… but not for me.”
“Everyone else is getting breakthrough… why am I still restricted?”

Action to take:

Lay down the disappointment.
Say it plainly to Jesus. Don’t stuff it.

Rehearse what God has done.
The blind see. The lame walk. The gospel is advancing.
Your gratitude realigns your perspective.

Rebuild expectation from what God is doing with you - not from what He hasn’t done yet.

Confusion lifts when trust becomes louder than understanding.\

4. Expectation That Has Become Familiar or Apathetic

Simon the Pharisee - hosting Jesus but with zero hunger

Simon did all the right religious actions… with no expectation for anything to actually happen.
He invited Jesus to dinner but missed Him entirely.
No water for His feet.
No affection.
No honor.
Just routine.

Some of us aren’t in crisis - we’re in cruise mode.
Competent. Comfortable. Predictable.
And low expectation has become normal.

Action to take:
Do something disruptive.
Break the pattern.
• Attend an event.
• Join a retreat.
• Read something that stretches you.
• Surround yourself with hunger and faith again.

Apathy is not your portion.
You were made for fire, not drift.

5. Expectation Limited by Shame

The immoral woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears

This woman expected mercy - but shame whispered, “You don’t deserve anything.”
Some of you want to plan next year, but last year’s failures - or decades of them - keep speaking louder than Jesus.

Hear Him:
“Your sins, though many, are forgiven.”
And not just forgiven - He restores the standard.
He reinstates dignity.
He revives desire.
He reignites dreams.

Action to take:
Let Him wash shame off your expectations.
Then dream again – with a clean slate.

Grace doesn’t shrink vision.
It fuels it.

Here's a resource to help: Dream Culture: Bringing Dreams to Life by Andy and Janine Mason

So… which expectation is yours?

As you plan next year—your goals, budgets, team structure, family priorities—ask the Holy Spirit:

1. What expectation am I living from?

• Authority?
• Death?
• Confusion?
• Apathy?
• Shame?

2. What’s the invitation? What’s my next step?

Write it down. Share it with someone.
And build your plans on His voice, not just your spreadsheets.

You are not planning 2026 alone.
The God who raises the

dead, confronts confusion, confronts drift, and reinstates the broken is leading you.

Reset your expectations - and aim them with Him.

If this was helpful, share it with someone who’s preparing for next year.

And if you want in-person momentum, wisdom, and clarity, join us at an upcoming event or retreat at HeaveninBusiness.com/events.

Listen to the Podcast Here