Believing and Expecting

It's that time when we create expectations for the rest of the year. We do so with excitement, passion and dedication. With a lack of hope, a blanket of dread and worry can cover us with what we think the future holds. Before we get too far down that road, let's stop to ask, "What does God have to say about our future?"

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12
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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
 
Yes, life can be wonderful, rewarding, and joyful. But, let's be real it can be so hard and filled with heartache. We can feel forgotten or looked over. I promise He hasn't forgotten! Lean on these verses, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". “God works for the good of those who love him”. Breathe in these truths. Call on Jesus. Pray. He will listen. I’m standing firm & believing. 

I look forward to seeing what the Lord is going to do. It's bigger than any New Year's resolution and larger than anything one can fathom. I am expecting miracles, renewed relationships, financial concerns alleviated, brand new relationships, souls saved, restored health, and so much more. I’m expecting to see all things that were once lost be restored in a way that only God can work out. #expect

Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. Isaiah 61: 7

I’m expecting and believing, but when Lord? We need to think beyond an earthly perspective. Let's not limit God to a timeframe. He can work miracles in a split second, but there are times His perfect plan takes years. And, then there are times we don’t see our miracle until eternity.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
 
It’s in the waiting we are to live each day, treasuring each moment. Certain moments are easier than others, especially when we are wanting God to make a move. Some moments are beautiful, while some we’d rather discard and frankly never deal with. It's my prayer to view my moments equally. And that I will Glorify Him, regardless of my circumstances. All of my moments, in the waiting, are worthy of His praise. May I see, experience and process each one the way God sees it, through His eyes and for His purpose. 

So, then I ask myself, with each moment that I've been given, what have I done with it? What will I do with it? How have I responded? How will I respond? For to whom much is given, much is required. And, He has given me so much – a Savior, loving friends and family, an awesome job, ministry, spiritual gifts, health, earthly pleasures, etc. Everything has been given for a purpose. 

I love the story in the Bible of the widow who gave all, just a few cents. Her story really isn't about money, though. It's about surrendering how she saw her circumstances and trusting God had a better plan. I wonder if she asked, in that moment, “How can everything possibly work out, if I give Him this?” “How will I survive?” There had to be moments where she felt isolated and alone, wondering who would take care of her. But, in this moment, she trusted that Jesus had everything worked out so she surrendered her understanding and gave it back to God. 

Offer all of my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is my true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

God wants all of me. He wants not just my attention, my time, my money, my heartache, but all of me and my love. The widow trusted God’s plan. In that moment, she reached in her pocket to grab hold of all she had, just two small coins. I wonder if she may have even held one coin in each hand. And for how long did she hold onto them? The bible doesn’t say. One moment she’s holding them tightly, keeping them for herself and the next she opens her hands to release the coins, giving them back to Jesus.

Have you ever seen someone lift up their clenched fists to worship God? I haven’t. Our true and proper worship is when we surrender our hearts and circumstances with open hands to Jesus. 

Reflect: What is it that I’m holding onto with clenched fists, Lord, that’s keeping me from connection with You and others? What is my "living sacrifice" that I can give back to You and to others as my true and proper worship? 

Prayer: Jesus, your Word tells me that you’re working things out for my good. I am believing and expecting You to move in my life like I’ve never seen before. I know you have a plan for me. I will praise You in all my moments, not just the “good” ones. I want to see my life and circumstances through your lens. May I allow the Holy Spirit to lead me in giving, surrendering and loving, in each moment. This is my true and proper worship to you. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Author- Aleta Childress