That phrase has been floating around my life for weeks now...and I think I finally get why.
It's been rolling around my head, sneaking into my heart and really pervading all my thoughts.
I'm reading through the New Testament as part of my fast, and I keep running across this passage at opportune times:
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
Luke 11:9-13
I really decided to let go and let God when it came to this trip, and so far he has completely demolished whatever expectations I might have had.
I decided to completely let God have this medium and use it to glorify HIM!
If you're reading this right now and there are things that you're praying about that you just don't feel any movement on, read this chapter in Luke. And then reconsider that prayer. If you're seeking HIM and HIS kingdom first, then why wouldn't God grant your requests? Jesus loves us. He put the desires of our hearts there for a reason, and not to deny them.
Ask yourself, am I praying this hoping for HIS glory? Is this request going to glorify HIM? I think you'll find some clarification there.
The book of James also has some excellent wisdom on praying with expectation.
13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:13-16
What more clear instruction do we, as followers of Christ need?! It all seems so clear when you step back and watch the Word of God line up with itself so harmoniously.
Consider those things you're stuck on. Re-evaluate them from a new perspective. Take God out of your box and let Him do what He wants to do in your life.
