FAITH = EXPECTATION

The Word challenges us to walk confidently through all our days in great expectation of the next.  Since God is always up to something good behind the scenes, the Apostle James urges us to consistently seek Him concerning every life-situation.  Yet, in the words of James, we “have not because [we] ask not.” (James 4:2b)  On the other hand, many Christians approach the throne of grace with eloquent-yet-powerless prayers – poetic petitions that are full of lovely words, but are completely devoid of faith.

Exactly what does it mean to “come boldly unto the throne of grace?” (Hebrews 4:16)  Above all, we must approach Our Creator fully draped in the righteousness of our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ.  “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” (Philippians 3:9)  Secondly, it means to approach the King of Kings always dressed in Word-based humility, since God “resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6)  Finally, we must enter into His courts completely clothed in faith-confidence.  “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” (Hebrews 10:35)

Bottom-line: Don’t pray and worry, i.e. don’t pray without expectation.  For the next few moments, consider the faith of one little girl who simply believed God.

As a terrible drought continued for what seemed like an eternity, a small community of farmers was in a quandary as to what to do.  Rain was vitally important to keep their crops healthy and to sustain the townspeople’s way of life.  As the problem became more and more acute, a local pastor called a prayer meeting to petition Heaven for rain.  Many people arrived.  The pastor greeted them as they filed into the sanctuary.

As he walked toward the altar to officially begin the meeting, he noticed that most of the attendees were busily chatting across the aisles and socializing with friends.  When he reached the pulpit, his thoughts were on quieting down his congregants and starting the evening prayer.

The pastor’s eyes scanned the crowd as he asked everyone to remain quiet.  He noticed an eleven-year-old girl sitting quietly on the front row.  Her face was beaming with excitement.  Next to her, poised and ready for use, was a bright red umbrella.

The little girl’s beauty and innocence made the pastor smile as he began to realize how much faith she truly possessed.  No one else in the congregation had brought an umbrella.  All had arrived to pray for the rain they so desperately needed, but only this little girl had come expecting an answer from GOD.

Friends, what are YOU expecting?  More of the same-old-same-old?  Or, do you believe that the God of miracles is actually alive and active today?  After all, The Word reveals Him as “Jesus Christ…the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)  I EXPECT…A MIRACLE!  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!