The Power of Expectation

In life, we will experience things that have the ability to keep us from reaching our short or long-term goals. Unexpected situations may arise leaving us physically, mentally, and emotionally numb due to our trials, challenges, hardships, and disappointments. I have learned: any time there is a mutual dependency, expectations exist, and if those expectations are not met, conflict can occur. We have all experienced some sort of hurt or pain that may have forced us to stop expecting something great for our lives. But, don’t let these events cause you to lose your expectation for what God has for your future! Expectations are a form of focus, just as intentions are, but many times, expectations come from what we’re used to, or our own personality traits. Have you ever heard the saying, “You generally get what you expect”? There are no limits to what you can imagine, what you can desire, what you can dream, and what you can expect from God. He is ready to take us into another dimension! Where is your faith and hope to build your expectation? The key formula for “Expectation” is Faith + Hope + Expectation = Miracles.

Throughout the Bible, there are stories of many extraordinary, miraculous events performed by Jesus.

List of Miracles Jesus performed:

1. Calming the storm — Luke 8
2. Water into wine — John 2
3. Feeding 5,000 — Mark 6
4. Walking on water — John 6

Healing of Individuals:

1. Woman with the issue of blood for twelve years — Matthew 9
2. Man at the pool of Bethesda — John 5
3. Man born blind — John 9
4. Man with leprosy — Mark 1
5. Man possessed with devils — Mark 5
6. Lazarus raised from the dead — John 11

Shouldn’t these healings and miracles of Jesus, here on earth, increase our faith to the position of expectancy?

 Despite the miracles and healings, the disciples had seen Jesus perform, they still struggled with doubting Him. However, those that sought-after Jesus for deliverance, healing, and miracles came with faith and expectation and received their healing and miracles immediately. According to Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” God wants to be good to you, but you must be expecting Him to move in your life. Don’t rely on physical evidence. Look to God, having faith; trust Him. Your expectation is vital to your experience in life. I don’t know what you are believing God for, but the timing is now! In an article I’ve read, “What’s the real meaning of God Preparing a Table before My Enemy,” Psalms 23 is broken down. This shows us that God is more than enough and He has already laid the foundation for us!

 

The Lord is my Shepherd = That’s relationship.

I shall not want = That’s supply.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That’s rest.

He leadeth me beside still waters = That’s refreshment.

He restoreth my soul = That’s healing.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That’s guidance.

For His name’s sake = That’s purpose.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That’s testing.

I will fear no evil = That’s protection.

For Thou art with me = That’s faithfulness.

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me = That’s discipline.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That’s hope.

Thou anointest my head with oil = That’s consecration.

My cup runneth over = That’s abundance.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That’s blessing.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That’s security.

Forever = That’s Eternity.

Whatever challenges you the most, decide now that you are going to set your mind for total victory. That means, no matter what obstacle you may face, you will stay in the position of expectancy! I have learned that prayer is the way in which we communicate with God, and receive His plan for our lives! If you believe and have faith in Him, then all things are possible for you! Through man, it’s impossible, but through Christ, ALL things are possible! We must stand on the promises of God. In Hebrews 6:13-15, it says, “When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, ‘I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.’ And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” He is a God that cannot lie. Therefore, the question becomes, “what’s holding Him back from blessing you”? Could you be lacking faith in Him and His Word, or could it be a legal situation resisting our prayers in the spiritual realm (read the Book of Daniel, Chapter 10)? We need to ask God to change our way of thinking, renew our minds, give us sense of direction, and renewed energy. Let your growing faith push you into expectation and cause you to take a fresh look at your life’s purpose. Let your expectations be so BIG that only God can turn them into reality!