Expectations

Not long ago a pastor came to visit me. At the beginning of our conversation he appeared to be excited about life and his ministry. But the longer we talked the more discouraged he became. Finally, in tears he said, “I don’t know what to do. I work so hard, study for hours, visit my members and the visitors who come to our church, but nothing is happening. My work and life are not producing any visible results.”

“Let me ask you a question,” I said. “Do you expect to see results every time you preach or visit or pray?”

“No,” came a solemn, quiet reply.

“That may be the problem,” I said.

Jesus said, “For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you and you will (get it).” When we pray believingly and live expectantly our work will reflect His results. We have His promise!

There is one condition, however, that we must be aware of: When we pray we must have faith in God not in ourselves or in the object of our prayer. If we focus on the object and it is not granted to us, we will be left empty handed and not able to see God at work in our lives. His answer may be different from our expectations.

When Jesus prayed He said, “It’s all possible – but I want Your will.” He had God’s interests – not His – as the focus of His prayers and expectations. His will must always be first and foremost if we expect His blessings.

Prayer: Father, we know that no goal is too great or request too ridiculous if what we ask will honor You. May our motives be pure and our heart’s desires, Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.