The following are snippets from an online devotional called Devotional Daily by Scott Todd.
“Most of our expectations lurk below the surface of our conscious thoughts. They’re there. When they’re unmet, we get frustrated. We want an explanation.
What if your employer said your next paycheck wouldn’t be issued? What if your car didn’t start? What if you were eager to watch your favorite football team, and the network showed the Florida shuffleboard championship instead? What if your son decided not to go to college? What if you were on the toilet, and you looked over to see only two squares of paper left on the roll? What if you had found your refrigerator inexplicably empty this morning? Did you expect to eat today?
Expectations are everywhere, and they exist whether you want them to or not. They escort every thought, and they set life’s agenda. They are on the pillow next to us each morning. The sun will come up. I will eat. My car will start. My employer will pay me. My shower will spray hot water. My toilet paper roll will have more than two squares.
If these things don’t happen, then our normally docile mental escorts become arsonists, lighting fires of frustration and discontent, starting riots and noisily demanding answers. Or, in mild situations such as insufficient toilet paper, they may at least mutter complaints.
An expectation is not the same as a wished-for future. Instead an expectation is an anticipated future that shapes today’s decisions.
Wishful thinking is a fantasy. Optimism is a mere attitude. Expectations, on the other hand, are probable, seemingly inevitable scenarios for our futures. Expectations provide a scaffold for our decision making, and we gamble on them every day.
High expectations innovate.
High expectations persevere.
High expectations don’t quit until they’re satisfied.”
END DEVOTIONAL
So, I’m expecting to go on The World Race – September Route 5 – L Squad. Therefore, I am expected to raise $3,500 by July 12 (I got a tiny extension). Overall, I’m expected to raise $16,254.35 to cover all my expenses on the field. However, I personally don’t have that kind of money just lying around.
I have prayed about this trip pretty much every day since I learned about it and I feel like God is still calling me to embark on the World Race. Therefore, I’m expecting God to provide the money by using my friends, family, church, co-workers, acquaintances, friends of friends, etc. to give generously to fund this trip, and in turn, praying that God will bless those who bless me to do His work. Luke 6:38 says: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
God is literally stretching my faith right now because I have to fully rely on Him to provide the money. Like I have said before: if God wants me to go on this trip then He will provide the money in His timing, I just have to wait patiently and trust Him.
Well, that’s all for now folks! I hope you have a blessed week! Keep Lookin’ Up!
Misha
