Edition 15 - Expecting The Unexpected

ex·pec·ta·tion

noun

plural noun: expectations

a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.

I can only speak for myself, but I have mixed feelings about expectations. In the moments when some of my expectations come to fruition, it is euphoric bliss. As it relates to achieving a milestone level expectation, the sense of accomplishment, thankfulness, and pure joy that is felt is hard to match.

Lets flip the coin, but first get ready to dig in. *Warning* - Vulnerability ahead.

The alternative side of expectation is disappointment. When expectations are not met, disappointment can rush in tactically. Remember the definition above? Having a strong belief in something happening. When my strong beliefs are met with my assumptive failure...it can really send me off my current course. Almost like the action of flipping the coin. A toss-up between if I am going to remain in my head or if I will make a solid landing and get off my tail.

Luke 21:26

"Men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken."

Let me ask you this...how easy is it to be fearful with the current state of the United States and our world in general? I would say that there are a lot of unexpected things happening on the daily. It is super easy to get distracted by them and get caught up in the chaos.

N - Narratives

E - Expected

W - With

S - Stress

God is speaking to me as I am writing this. He is reminding me that these firstly are messages for me. He just pointed me to go back and read Edition 13 and Edition 14 again...because obviously his message needs more studying and practical application on my part.

You see...having full trust and full faith is a lofty expectation, but it is not an unrealistic expectation for Jesus.

Problems occur when we expect something to happen without good reasons.

As an example,

I must grind the beans, put the coffee and water in my coffee maker, and push the button. Just expecting my cup of coffee to appear is absolutely delusional.

We have the instruction manual for living a FULL filled life for OUR maker, who happens to have not just created that invigorating first cup of coffee in the morning but created the Heavens and the earth. We often forget.

We can redirect to have an expectation of things within good reason. By faith, those who are believers and those who are in the word of God daily receive unexpected blessings throughout the unexpected journey of life.

We won't even be eligible to potentially win the race if we don't get to a starting point. The outcome of a race or sporting event is always unexpected. We can't 100% guarantee a win at the start of a sporting event. If we could, there wouldn't movies/stories like "Any Given Sunday".

If you are lacking in faith right now, there is another Sunday upcoming. I challenge you to attend a church service. If it has been a while, or your first time ever...just know it is okay. You are forgiven. Your current situation and life can change on ANY GIVEN SUNDAY.

You can expect to retrieve your joy if you just take a leap of faith. FAITH DAILY.

Start expecting the unexpected through faith & humility, instead of pride & ego.

Join me below at the starting point. Prayer. Say aloud or in your mind...

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me and always being in pursuit of me. I ask you to filter out any particles of pride that I may carry. Filter out the unrealistic expectations and worldly desires. Forgive me for the times I don't fully trust and forget to seek out your word & direction for my life. Help me draw nearer to you and lean on you in times of strife and turmoil. Thank you for grace and mercy. God, if today I lose my hope, please remind me that your plans are better than my dreams. Amen.

Have a blessed week! Always appreciative of the support.