The Blessing of Expectation

Well now, friend, pull yourself on up and try not to panic about that grasshopper jumpin’ around your feet like it is ‘a‑tryin’ to recruit you for a square dance ‘cause we are ‘bout to journey into a truth richer than grandma’s peach cobbler. Faith is a funny thing. It is a little like watchin’ a rooster ‘a-tryin’ to fly. You know that rooster is not built for it, but you admire the confidence he’s showin’. When we come to God, He is lookin’ for that same kind of expectant, hopeful, “I know You are up to somethin’ good” kind of heart.

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that faith pleases God, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Those are not fancy words. That is not perfect behavior. It’s faith. The kind that shows up sayin’, “Lord, I believe You are here, and I believe You reward those who seek You.” That is why you come to Him at all. Something in you expects Him to speak, to move, to nudge your heart like a mama cow nudgin’ her lil’ baby calf toward the water trough.

Some folks come to church like they are attendin’ a lecture. They sit back, arms crossed, lookin’ about as open as a turtle hidin’ in its shell. They leave unchanged because they never expected God to do a thing. But others come hungry. They come like a squirrel a‑searchin’ for the last acorn of winter. They come sayin’, “Lord, I need You to speak to me today. I am not leavin’ the same.”

That kind of expectation matters. God is not reluctant. He is not distant. He is not playin’ hide and seek behind the barn. He wants to speak to you even more than you want to hear Him. But He responds to faith. He responds to hearts that come open, ready, and expectant.

So, the next time you pray, come expectin’. The next time you open your Bible, come expectin’. The next time you gather with believers, come expectin’. God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Father, stir up my faith. Help me to come to You with expectation. Open my heart to hear Your voice. Reward my seeking with Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, friend, as you head back into your day like a determined lil’ ol’ beaver a‑tryin’ to drag a log twice its size, hold this truth real close to your heart that God meets the expectant. He honors the hungry. He delights in the ones who show up ready. And if you come to Him with faith, He will meet you there every single time.

With joy,

Gwen