Expectant.

My word of focus for this year (2022) that God brought to my mind is expectant. This word excites me but also scares me. It feels risky to profess this word. I think it’s because this word implies trust. Being expectant of God means we are trusting (hopeful and confident) that God is going to work for us and in us.

Why is it so scary to trust and believe that God will work and act on our behalf?

My natural inclination in life is to sit back and take things as they come. It’s to respond. I’m good at responding. When either good or hard things come my way, I have the opportunity to trust God. I choose to trust him with things as they come. That’s how I naturally operate.

But to be on the forefront of trusting him? To expect God to do something before it even happens?

That’s a whole different ballgame. It means we have to have faith in what we cannot see. It means we have to trust what’s ahead of us. And it means we are hopeful for the future.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

THIS is difficult, and I’m still wrapping my mind around the application of this.

Let’s take a look at another scripture:

Ephesians 3:20 – 21, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

This prayer Paul writes is a good example of expectancy. He believed that God could do far more than all we could ask or think of him.

This example of expectancy is an exciting part of the Christian walk as we are on an ADVENTURE with God. The Holy Spirit has given us power. And it’s out of that power that we live our lives.

But so often this excitement of the Christian walk is dulled by our own complacency and, honestly, by our own disbelief in the greatness of God.

When we become apathetic to the greatness of God, expectancy feels dangerous and scary.

When we become apathetic to the greatness of God, expectancy feels dangerous and scary.

So this year, I am challenging myself to EXPECT. To expect God to do great things. To expect God to show up. To expect God to work in my life and others’. And to TRUST him with what I haven’t even experienced yet. It feels bold, but I think it’s a necessary step for growth.

Will you join me on this challenge of being expectant of God?!