EXPECTATION

Based on 1 Samuel 1-3, Luke 8:26-56

When we pray, are we bold enough to expect something to take place? Are we ready to receive what we prayed for?

In many instances in the Bible, it seems as though faith is defined as being bold enough to expect God to do something miraculous in your life. Claiming it...

"(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were." Romans 4:17.

Jesus sure quickens the dead! He calls the ones who seem the most unworthy! He changes our situation! And how much more when we EXPECT it! When we don't doubt God! Although God is not obligated to do something if it's not according to His perfect Will, He always has the best in mind for us, no matter the outcome!

"And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head."
1 Samuel 1:11.

God heard the plea of Hannah! Prayer DOES change things!! He knew the sincerity in her heart that she would follow through and allow her son to be given to the service of The Lord. He indeed gave her a son, and he became Samuel, one of the great prophets! All because she did not give up...she didn't just pray in her home, but she brought her concern all the way to the House of God! Her desperation was an expectation of Who God is and what He could do. She knew miracles could happen, so she sought one for herself. And we need to do the same!

He makes the dead womb live again! And through the boldness to expect something to happen, to crawl that extra mile, a woman with an issue of blood was healed!

"And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." Luke 8:46‭-‬48.

God blessed this woman's faithful act of boldness! She was done hoping...she wanted to expect! She didn't care who watched her. Although she trembled at the experience, it was her boldness to come forward which allowed that virtue to flow out! When we expect, but we also accept whatever outcome God has planned, that's where we find peace! We can always expect God to come through, no matter what the answer is to the problem!

Sometimes, we cannot expect much of ourselves. We are not able to handle every situation flawlessly...but GOD CAN! AND HE WILL! But will He come into our lives seeing bold faith? The kind that expects God to do something great? Or does our doubt only get us so far into the miraculous? We need to go all the way in Jesus' Name...even if we have to crawl to get there!