When You Stop Expecting

Ever experienced that sinking feeling after you got your hopes up for the umpteenth time and yet, nothing materialized? You know, when you prayed about it and tried to expect the best, but still, your hopes got dashed...again?

If you're familiar with the feeling, then you certainly understand how easy it is to give up hope in these cases. After all, it seems easier not to expect anything at all. At least then, you won't have to be disappointed.

But that's the wrong way of thinking.

When you stop expecting good things, then you close the door on opportunities. You know the saying, "Faith is the key that unlocks every door," right? Well, it's true. Once you lose your expectancy, you simultaneously forfeit your faith. And you can't please God without faith, nor can you receive anything from Him. (Hebrews 11:6; James 1:6-7)

You must recognize that there are real tangible results that come from prayer, supplication, and seeking God's face. Once you've been beaten down by rejection and failure, however, it tends to stomp the life out of you if you allow it to.

If you're not careful, you'll begin internalizing thoughts like: "Nothing good ever happens for me, or trying is pointless because I always get the same answer, or I'm kidding myself if I think this is really gonna work out..."

As a result, those negative confessions and beliefs rob you of the blessings God has for you. Why? Because when you stop expecting, you also stop trying.

I know life can sometimes present evidence that seems to build a pretty compelling case against anything you may be believing God for. Still, you can't get caught up in what you see with your natural eyes and what you hear with your natural ears.

You've got to get in touch and in tune with Heaven's frequency to see what the Lord has to say about the whole thing. Instead of being shaken by your circumstances, get rooted and grounded in the promises found in God's word.

Talk to yourself about how faithful God is to perform everything He's spoken concerning you. In Hebrews 11:11, we're reminded that, "By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise."

Just as Abraham did, if you'll remember to consider the faithfulness of God rather than all that appears to be at odds with the word He's spoken over your life, you won't be so easily moved by what you see.

Today, I encourage you to hold on to your faith.

Remain steadfast, knowing that God is more than able to exceed your expectations. I like the International Standard Version (ISV) of Ephesians 3:20 that says, "Now to the one who can do infinitely more than all we can ask or imagine according to the power that is working among us."

He'll do "infinitely more" for you, if you'll only believe. But when you stop believing and expecting, your prayer life suffers because, none of us likes to ask for something we don't think we're going to receive. But don't you dare stop! It's the only way to realize the full manifestation of the promise. I'm reminded of an old song I like that says:

Don't stop praying, His word is nigh.

Don't stop praying, He'll hear your cry.

The Lord has promised, His word is true.

Don't stop praying, He'll answer you!