November 2017...

Recently I read an article in Daily Guideposts 2016 by Sabra Ciancanelli. She described an impression that came upon her and which she could not shake: Expect a Blessing!

She tried to shake it because it seem too presumptuous. Expect a blessing, as if it is due you, as if you could name beforehand the thing God would provide. It was not HOPE for a blessing, or PRAY to be blessed. It went beyond anticipation to expectation. EXPECT a Blessing.

I admit that when I read her article I thought “expect” was too strong a word. Like Sabra, I felt it was presumptuous.

Then I saw an advertisement for a health insurance plan. It read: “Expect more from your Medicare Advantage Plan.” There was the word expect again. But now it was human effort from which I should expect to receive something good. And more than that it was an advertisement. Advertisements are designed to entice us to buy what the seller is selling. They want us to expect more so I will buy more. And yet, in that circumstance I had no problem with the word expect.

And that made me think, “Should I be less expectant of God’s blessing, than I am of a health insurance company’s business practice? Which has the greater power to bless? Which has demonstrated the greater love for me?” Why do I hold back from expecting a blessing?

Is it because life is often difficult, and trials come? But God is able to provide blessing even in struggles.

Is it because God has not expressed his desire to bless those who trust him? Surely that is not so.

It seems to come right down to what I expect. And God says I can expect him to love me, and care for me.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Maybe it is your practice to make a list of blessings for which you are thankful. I want to suggest that you add something to that practice. Make a list of blessings you expect from your Lord. Look into the future and recognize his goodness is there, even before you are and raise your expectations.
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At the very least there is this: God is with you, and you can count on that.

Have a thankful and expectant heart,
     ~Pastor Byron 

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