THANKFUL EXPECTANCY!
Sunday’s Monday
I have shared some of the revelations that God has given me over the years, hoping that it might help you as much or more than it has helped me. But it’s time for the rubber to meet the road or the gears to start turning and get the party started. I try not to make things about me, but the truth is I know myself on a much deeper level than I know any of you. I learned a valuable lesson about two years ago and I have been working closely with God to hone this gift of expectancy that He has placed in me. Now don’t read what I’m not writing! We must first understand what is being said, ergo; dictionary.com describes expectancy as the quality or state of expecting; expectation; anticipatory belief, or desire. Now look at Psalm 5:3 (AMPC), In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].
This is my “get honest” time and for those that heard my testimony in my early days, it was more about what was, than what could be. I was so busy being thankful to God for what He has done in my life that I had few thoughts of what He can do. Yes! I was and am thankful to God for bringing me to where I am today, however; today I see this as weak faith. Now, Wait! Before you crucify me in your minds hear me out. Think about the word faith and ponder on it long enough to get the bible’s definition in Hebrews 11:1 (AMPC), Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. With this under our belts, we can see how easy it is to be thankful for what has already taken place because it is now a fact. This is exactly what I did in my early days, especially with my testimony. Again, don’t get me wrong, I believe it was a good testimony because it was fact, but it had so much room to be better and God is diligently working with me to improve my testimony by strengthening my faith and expectations in Him.
I am learning that a person with a strong faith in God “lives expectantly”. Always looking and hoping for God to move strongly and powerfully in their lives. Praying constantly for God to take them beyond their comfort zone and expecting things to happen. They deeply desire God’s vision for their lives and are willing to do what it takes to cooperate with His plan to get them there. These people are not resting on what they have done for God they are actively seeking His instruction for doing more. They choose to give up their agenda daily for their love of God! Reading in Lamentations 3:25 (AMPC), The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God’s word]. People of this quality, live in a bubble of blessings, joy, and peace, giving glory and thanks to God through thought, word, and deed. I believe this is the thanksgiving God is looking for.
A thankful follower of Jesus is a beaming light of positivity drawing people nearer to God’s goodness by looking forward to what is coming instead of reveling in what has passed. Yes! Followers of Jesus have their moments of tough times, but they believe and trust such times are seasonal and necessary. We can give God praise and worship for the experience as He uses such times to strengthen our faith and fortitude. Fact: a person filled with true thanksgiving to God cannot and will not live continually miserable, sad, and negative lives. As we’re told in Philippians 4:6-7 (AMPC), 6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Now that’s Thanksgiving! Security in our salvation in Jesus, for all eternity with God!
Lord, help us to be mindful this thanksgiving of those things that matter most to you! May we spend time just getting to know you more? Have us to be found expectant for your visions through our praise, worship, prayers, and relationships. Hebrews 12:28 (AMPC), Let us therefore, receiving a kingdom that is firm and stable and cannot be shaken, offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship, with modesty and pious care and godly fear and awe. Show us your Lord. Amen
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
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