Luke 1:66 Everyone Has A Plan For You

People were certain that God's hand was on this child, and they wondered what sort of person John would turn out to be when he became a man.

Observation
Already John's birthday didn't fit any normal circumstances. First an Angel of the Lord tells Zacharias that they will have a son. Then John is born to Zacharias and Elizabeth when they are too old to expect a child. The abnormalities continue when Elizabeth and Zacharias shake up the community by choosing the name John for the child instead of a name in their family. All of these shake ups cause people to question and set expectations of who John would become.
The bible doesn't really tell us what is what like for John to grow up in a community where his birth lead to speculation and expectation, but I can imagine it would have been a challenge. John obviously rises to the occasion with the power of the Holy Spirit, but I think we would be remiss if we don't stop and think about the challenges he faced trying to please God, when those around him had agendas for his life.

Application
I have no doubt that when Jesus was growing up that He faced the same challenges as John. Why do I believe that? Because the bible tells me that Jesus faced the same temptations that you and I face. We all hit a point where we have to make a choice to either be who others say we are or who Christ says we are. You can't say that you define who you are, because it is the influences around you that really define you, but you can certainly choose what will influence you.
For most of my life, I have tried to meet the expectations of others...EXHAUSTING! What I have found is that I work best when I'm just being obedient to Christ. But I'm comforted with knowing that both John and Jesus had to fight the temptation to please others instead of God and they overcame. The same Spirit that lives in them lives in me!
I think it is normal to have expectations for our children. As they grow up we get excited about all the possibilities of who they could become. As a parent, however, I need to make sure that my children know that pleasing God and following His plan is WAY MORE IMPORTANT than following my plan.

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your great plan for me and for my children. Thank You for giving me Your Spirit and helping me resist the temptation to please others above You. You are amazing! Father, please help me to hold on loosely to my own expectations and plans for Devin and Elena. Your plans are greater and I want them to always seek to please You above all.