When I have to go on a trip there are a few things that I can always count on and look forward to with great anticipation. First, my wife usually greets me with a hug, a kiss, a loving welcoming smile and sparkling eyes. (One of my favorite things in life). Second, my daughters swarm to the door with smiles and big hugs. (Another one of my favorite things). Third, my dogs want a pat on the head and a game of fetch. I like to travel for many reasons but these are probably the best parts of traveling. The anticipation of what awaits me at home always draws me from the time I leave the house no matter what the reason for my trip is.
Now when I start thinking of that, a scripture comes to mind.
Romans 8:18-21 That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.
(The Message Bible)
We seem to get excited about many things and wait with great expectation. But so often we forget to wait expectantly for God and what he is doing. We are instructed to wait in eager expectation for Jesus to be revealed. We are to long for that day when he returns and we are face to face with Him.
I find myself waiting in expectation for all kinds of things, from the newest movie to come out or the trip that is planned for a month from now. But, I often forget to live in expectation of God. This is dangerous as our expectation of Jesus and the fulfillment of that expectation is what helps build our faith. Waiting expectantly for God is so very important, Psalm 5:3 says “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”
To close I would like to quote a few lines from Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Great expectations”:
And I’ve been invited as a son
Oh I, I’ve been invited to come and …..
Believe the unbelievable
Receive the inconceivable
And see beyond my wildest imagination
Lord, I come with great expectations
Try coming before the Lord with great expectations and see what happens. God loves to provide for us especially when it exceeds our greatest expectations.
Here are a few verses to look up, that will hopefully help you come before God with great expectation:
Ephesians 3:2-21, Matthew 7:7-11, Ephesians 1:18-19
BXFC
(Be Xtreme For Christ)
Pastor Sean