EXPECTATIONS

Do you have any expectations from God? Do we even have the 'right' to expect anything from Him? Hasn't He already done everything (and more) He needs to do? Regardless, of what has been done, do we still harbor that first He has to (fill in the blank)? My response is - of course we do. Shouldn't has nothing to do with our feelings. Rationale, logical, justified or not ... we do! Though many times we can't seem to be specific. Is it something we think we need before we do what we need to do or ... 

Isn't this where faith and confidence step in? Isn't this where we remember all the times and ways He has met our need? How He has always provided what is needed to do what we are asked by Him to do. Isn't this where we remember His word? Yes. Yes. Yes. And... still... When we limit what we know God is expecting from us, we really deny who He is in our lives. Yes? 

Acknowledging that we do EXPECT God to (fill in the blank), oddly enough, will be the best starting point to take a step in faith. When we remember all the times that He did provide what we felt we needed can become that foundation of confidence. When we remember what His word says (about our situation) then we can act knowing that we are doing what is required and expected of us. 

Again, it may sound counter intuitive but it is our faith that can activate His hand on our behalf the fastest. Remember what God says about Himself, there are over 35 verses that are specific:

   “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! 
    I am God, and there is none like me.” (Isaiah 46:9)

   "so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not 
    return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, 
    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11, ESV)

   "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for 
    I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold 
    you up with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) 

    "God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He
     loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive 
    together with Christ—by grace you have been saved" 
    (Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV)

   “I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never 
    live in darkness but will have the light that gives life.” (John 8:12)

IF we believe that we are supposed to be doing or saying (fill in the blank) and expecting God to do (fill in the blank) first - not. We begin the process by our act of faith (confident trust) and take that step because we know that the basis is His unmerited favor and mercy. And, what if we are wrong... have acted precipitously... or... Then we accept our error, apologize/redeem. and move on.