Did you know that before you can exercise faith for something, you must first have hope—an expectation that something is going to happen?
The Bible says: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
Here’s the 411: Before we can move toward our goals or believe for the desires God has placed within our hearts, we must have an expectation.
That makes your expectation one of the most valuable things you possess. It is no wonder the enemy wants to take it from you. He wants you hopeless. He wants you to stop improving yourself because you believe nothing will ever change. He wants you to speak negatively about yourself and live under condemnation.
But I have good news: God is not finished with you.
As long as you are alive, there is an opportunity for growth, restoration, and a new beginning. Therefore, have hope! Seasons will change, and the harvest will come!
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” — Genesis 8:22 (NKJV)
With that in mind, here are seven things you should expect:
1. Expect God to give you wisdom.
When you do not know what to do, ask God. He has promised to give wisdom generously to those who ask Him in faith.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” — James 1:5 (NKJV)
2. Expect God to be compassionate toward you.
God sees what you are facing, cares about you, and invites you to give your concerns to Him because He is a compassionate God.
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)
3. Expect an encounter with God at church this Sunday.
Coming to church wondering, “Will anything happen?” is the wrong mentality. Come expecting God to meet you. Come expecting an encounter. I declare that after our Sunday worship experience, you’ll never be the same!
Say, “God will meet me. I will receive something that helps me move forward.”
4. Expect God to speak to you about what you are facing.
Do you need financial wisdom, a new job, clarity concerning a relationship, or direction about an important decision? Expect God to guide you through His Word and by His Spirit.
“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” — Isaiah 30:21 (NKJV)
5. Expect forgiveness and restoration when you repent.
You may have sinned, but you do not have to remain trapped in guilt and condemnation. Confess your sin, receive God’s forgiveness, and allow Him to restore you.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
6. Expect mercy and help after a bad decision.
Some decisions have consequences, but failure does not place you beyond God’s help. His throne is a throne of grace, and you are invited to approach Him boldly in your time of need.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” — Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)
7. Expect God to help you accomplish the right goals.
Commit your plans to God. Ask Him to correct your motives, direct your steps, and give you the discipline to do your part.
“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)
Do not approach your day, week, or month expecting defeat. Do not approach God expecting rejection. Do not approach church expecting nothing.
Expect wisdom. Expect compassion. Expect direction. Expect forgiveness. Expect mercy. Expect help. Expect God to meet you.
Come to Winners Church this Sunday at 11:00 AM with expectation. Believe that God will speak to you and give you exactly what you need for your next step.