DIVINE EXPECTATION

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.( Psalm 62:5.)

Every expectation of a Christian is divinely catalyzed to produce profitable results. Expectation is the mother of manifestation; without expectation in prayer, the prayer is meaningless.

In Mark 2:1-5, some people brought their sick friend to Jesus, but they could not enter the hall. They found another way to reach Him: removing the roof and lowering their sick friend to Jesus. Upon seeing their faith (expectation), Jesus healed the man of his paralysis. Expectation is a strong belief that something will happen. When faith is at work, expectation becomes stronger (Mark 11:22-24; Matthew 15:22-28).

Our tears or emotions do not sway God at the altar of prayer but by the expectations we hold in our hearts. Jacob experienced struggles and frustrations throughout his life, but when he encountered the angel of the Lord in prayer, he insisted, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Do you approach God with the expectation of being blessed whenever you pray?

The altar of prayer is a place of divine encounter. Hannah went to Shiloh with the expectation of having a male child, and the Lord granted her request. She vowed, saying, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your handmaid, remember me, and not forget Your handmaid, but will give me a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” (1 Samuel 1:11).

Here are ways to prepare your expectations at the altar of prayer:

1. Define Your Requests: Determine what you want the Lord to do for you (Proverbs 23:18). Your desires from God should be clear and specific.
2. Document Your Expectations: Whenever you pray, write down your prayer requests or keep them in your heart and present them to God.
3. Align Your Expectations with God’s Will: Ensure that your requests are in accordance with God’s will (1 John 4:14). Back up your expectations with Scripture. Don’t come before God empty of His Word.
4. Present Your Requests to God: Mention your expectations to God with scriptural support.
5. Seal Your Prayers with Thanksgiving: Always conclude your prayers with gratitude (Philippians 4:6; Psalm 67:5-7).

Conclusion: Each time you come before God in prayer, always carry the expectation to receive from Him and your request will be granted.