February 22nd

Expectations are important in our faith journey. It is not important whether our expectations line up with what happens. Often things turn out differently than what we expected and we deal with that. The important thing is that we DO expect. If we go into this mission of disciples making disciples with failure as our only expectation, then we will be hard pressed to see success. In that case the devil has defeated us before we even start. We have to expect that GOD will do what He promised to do. We have to expect results BECAUSE God is in charge. We can’t enter into this journey without expectations of seeing God do His thing. If we are insecure and unsure, feeling weak and incompetent, we have to realize and remember that GOD is still secure, sure, strong and competent and the expectation of results hinges on HIM NOT on US.

No buts here, we can’t say, “I know God is able but…” Instead, we have to remind ourselves of the promises in His Word that remind us of who He and what He has promised. We have to remind ourselves of His Perfect Plan. SO, grab hold of some verses that really speak to your heart on this matter and commit them to memory so you can speak them out when you start to doubt.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

We underestimate or “under-expect” when we measure ourselves. When we feel all the pressure is on us, we set the bar much lower, but Jesus clearly stated that the power to be His witnesses comes from the Holy Spirit. He even told them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit first.

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

We need to remind ourselves that we are just the vessel, we just need to be obedient, the Holy Spirit is the one who does the drawing and saving. Our successes only belongs to us from the standpoint that we are being obedient, the work is really all credited to the Holy Spirit. BUT, we can be confident in Him and His promises. We need to pray for boldness to offset our hesitation, wisdom to oppose our weakness, and hope to empower our confidence.

Mark 16:18 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Contrary to what some people believe this verse is not telling us to purposely handle poisonous snakes etc. This verse gives us examples of the power of the Holy Spirit available to those that He sends out into the world. IF we find ourselves in a dangerous situation when on this mission, we can trust that the Lord will use it for our good. We need to have wisdom and discernment as we proceed in this journey, but if we do that and obey the Lord’s leading, we can trust Him to care for us. This verse also shows us what power is available to be used by the Holy Spirit when we step out in faith to minister to people. Too often we limit God whether it is out of fear, or weakness, or ignorance. We need to step out in faith and believe that GOD is able and willing to show up and use us to plant seeds and reach the people He puts in front of us.

We need to not limit God, He may want to do something miraculous or extraordinary, or He may have a plan that takes time to unfold rather than being quick and obvious. So, we can’t count something as a failure or no result just because we don’t see it right away.

Let us walk in this mission of disciples making disciples with an expectant heart that God will do His will in us and through us if we will just be obedient.

Jesus, thank you for being willing to use me. Help me to have the attitude and perspective that you have of this calling to be a disciple making disciples. Remind me of your promises and help me to step out in faith. Thank you for your patience with me. Help me not to limit my expectations to my natural ability instead of your supernatural power. Thank you for your perfect love and perfect plan.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.