Expectation
Monday, July 17
Expectation
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12
There was a story told about a man in a flood who was looking to God to save him. A boat came by and offered to pick him up, but he declined, saying God was going to save him. He ended up on the roof as the waters were rising and a helicopter came by and offered a ride to safety. Again, he said he was waiting for God to save him. Eventually he drowned and when he got to heaven he asked God, “Why didn’t you save me?” God answered, “I sent the boat and the helicopter!” His expectation was that God would supernaturally pluck him up to safety, but God was wanting to use another means to save him. I wonder how often we don’t see it because we are looking in the wrong direction or looking for the wrong thing.
We all have expectations in our lives about what we think will happen or the timing of things, including how we think God will answer our prayers. In our lives, it is common for us to hold certain expectations regarding the outcomes or timing of events, including how we anticipate God’s response to our prayers. However, I have recently been reflecting on how frequently our expectations go unfulfilled, leading to disappointment instead. We may possess heartfelt desires, knowing that God promises to grant the desires of our hearts. We find comfort in the words of Psalm 37:4, which states, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” It is only natural for us to question, “When will my heart’s desires be fulfilled?” as we earnestly seek God’s timing and provision.
In order to see God at work, we have to keep our eyes fixed on Him in all ways and in all things (good and bad). I think that God is wanting to answer your prayers and bring you unexpected moments of joy, but you need to keep your eyes open, and your spiritual ears tuned to hear what he is saying so that you can see how he is moving. There are great things in store for you! Do you see it?
Prayer for today: Dear Father, forgive me for the times that I have not seen you move because I have been looking in the wrong direction or for the wrong thing. Help me to see what you want me to see and to have the right expectations. Amen.