Day 8 - An Expectant Faith
Posted by Michael O'Neal
And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. (Matthew 13:58, NIV)
Sometimes our lack of faith hinders what God wants to do in our lives. In Matthew 13:54-58, we read about Jesus coming back to his hometown (Nazareth). As he taught in the synagogue, people were astonished by his display of wisdom and power. Unfortunately, verse 57 says that “they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.” In response to their lack of faith, Jesus decided that he would only do a few miracles.
One of my greatest struggles is not expecting God to do what God can do. I wonder how many times in my life has God wanted to do so much more in and through me, but I did not trust him enough. When I have faith, I expect God to provide for me. When I have faith, I expect God to do the impossible. When I have faith, I expect God to use me. William Carey, one of Christianity’s most influential missionaries, said: “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” Once I expect God to do great things in and through me, then I can step out in faith and attempt great things for him.
It’s Monday, the beginning of a new week. What are you expecting God to do this week? What are you expecting him to do in and through your family? What are you expecting him to do in and through your business? What are you expecting him to do in and through your church? What are you expecting him to do in and through you? Just a little faith in a big God can make a huge difference in your life this week.
PRAYER: “God, you are so powerful, and nothing is impossible with you. Sometimes I fail to trust you enough, so help me with my unbelief. I expect great things from you this week, not because I’m worthy or deserving, but because I know you want to accomplish YOUR purposes in and through me. In the all-powerful name of Jesus, Amen.”
POINT TO PONDER: “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.”
August 13th, 2007 at 7:27 am
It is so amazing what God can do if we give Him the room to do it. However, even as faith-driven Christians, we are the first to doubt. It is that doubt that puts us in “God’s waiting room.” It’s easy to place blame when things don’t go the way we think they should, but the truth is, if we have faith in the Lord’s plan for our lives, everything will be even better than we could imagine. To know that He gives us the power, and we just have to embrace it and live by faith, is beyond inspiring. So why is it easier to encourage others to live by faith than to live by faith ourselves? I don’t know. But I do know that I am the first to tell others to “have faith, it will all work out,” when the truth of the matter is that I need to embrace my own theory and have an expectant faith for my own life. I pray that each of us become more expectant as we continue on this faith journey together.