Faithful God: A Devotional From I Am They预览

Day 1: EXPECTATION

I have expectations. Yes, it’s true. Nothing fancy really, but there are things I have come to expect to happen every single day. 

For example, I expect the chair I sit on to hold the weight of my body. I expect my car to start up when I turn the key. I expect the sun to rise each morning and the sun to set in the evening. 

But, when it comes to God’s faithfulness in the moments I need Him most, sometimes I shrink back in insecurity. If I ask Him, will He hear me? If I pray for healing, will He come through? Can I trust Him? Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to draw near to the throne of grace with boldness so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 

I asked myself, “How could I feel more confident trusting a man made chair to hold me up than I do the God who holds all things together?” I’m sure there are more spiritual reasonings and arguments. But, I think I have an easier time trusting the chair to hold because I sit on one every day. So, could it be that the inconsistency in my trust for God is reflective of my inconsistency to actively engage with the presence of God in my life? 

Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold unwaveringly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” I’m learning to come expectantly before God. Not just on Sundays or sometimes but daily. When I come, I don’t approach God with my own agenda. I come speaking back to God the promises in His Word. He’s given us permission to pray with full assurance that He will come through on His promises. He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:13) 

Just like lifting weights or going on long runs, I’m learning the discipline of exercising my expectation. Ephesians 3:20 tells us that we serve a God who is capable of doing more than we could ever ask, think, or imagine but do we pray and seek Him believing that’s true? I’m holding God to His word. As I do, I’m keeping track of the boundless examples of God’s faithfulness that shows up in my life daily. Why? Because I’m looking for an opportunity to give Him glory in everything. I’m tuned in. I’m engaged with God, searching and seeking Him out everywhere. 

The sunsets in my backyard never look the same. Some days the sky is painted with vibrant colors. Other times, all I can see is a thick layer of clouds blocking out the light. But, I never doubt the sun is setting every evening. Expectant faith is assured that God is always moving even when we can’t see it. (Hebrews 11:1) 

Are you unsure when it comes to God’s faithfulness? Do you take time to engage in His presence every day? His promise is that if you seek Him, with the whole of your heart, you will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:13) The more frequently you encounter God, the easier it will be to hold fast to the expectation of His faithfulness.