December 2 - Expectations

Isaiah 7:14

The Lord himself shall give you a sign,” he declared. “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

This time of year, we spend time in expectation. Whether it’s family visits, parties, church programs, caroling, baking, decorating, or other annual traditions we all “anticipate or look forward to the coming or occurrence of events or happenings.”

During an Advent Series that I was part of, I heard one pastor talk about expectation in these terms:

 “without expectation there is no disappointment”.

I immediately jotted that down because it stuck in my mind.  I have been thinking a lot about that statement and wondering about the current state of my heart’s “expectancy level” this season.

Expectancy is a risk.  We are placing our faith in something happening and beyond that we actually plan for that event. If it’s something that has happened in the past, perhaps it is easier for us to expect.  But, if it’s a new experience, expectancy is definitely a high risk. 

Imagine, if you will, the times that the prophets of old spoke of the coming of the Messiah with expectancy.  One of my favorites is this portion from the prophet Isaiah when He announced the coming of the Messiah.

Isaiah 7:14

The Lord himself shall give you a sign,” he declared. “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

By some counts the coming of Jesus, Immanuel, was spoken about over 300 times in the Old Testament.  Each person who spoke added to the expectancy of His coming yet there were still many who did not believe even when they saw the very son of God in the flesh.

What is my “expectancy level” during this Advent Season? Am I willing to pray the “big prayers” expecting that He will answer? Am I expecting Him to show up when I ask for direction, for support, for help, for strength to do the hard things?

As for me, I’m committing to expectancy.  I’m going to expect God, during this season to do a new thing in my heart, in my life.  I am expecting Him to come in new ways, to stir my heart, to give me new direction, to give me new passion for those souls who need Him, new eyes to see those around me that need me to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

And, I’m willing to take the risk because He has never disappointed me yet.  What about you?

Will you commit to expectancy with me?