A few weeks ago I saw a post from my friend Jen Galentine, who manages the Broken Bean. Many of you know her if you frequent our local coffee shop. Jen has a heartbreaking and powerful testimony of what God will do if you surrender your life to Him. Jen recently attended a Bible conference and posted a picture on Facebook with these words, “I went expecting and God filled me up!” I was so moved by her words and asked her about her experience the next time I saw her.

I couldn’t help but think about how often I have an expectant heart. How often do I expect God to show up and fill me up? We may often expect a lot of ourselves and others, but our expectations of what God can and will do are often way too low. We forget that we have a much more God.

This reminds me of the story found in Luke 2:25-32 about Simeon. Verse 26, “And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” Simeon patiently watched and waited expectantly. He trusted in God and his promises and that day finally came when Mary and Joseph entered the temple, as was the custom, to present Jesus to the Lord and offer a sacrifice according to the Law. Simeon had patiently watched and waited with great hope and expectancy for this day. He took Jesus in his arms and blessed God.

Jen received what she needed that night when God showed up and filled her up. Simeon had to wait many years to receive what God had in store for him. In the waiting and the watching, God will show up, maybe not the way we expected or when we expect it, but He is always faithful to provide just what we need and when we need it. So, we pray, we wait and we trust expectantly.

Lord God, Thank you for the stories that inspire us and remind us of your presence in the waiting. You hear our requests and provide all that we need and more. You are so faithful and trustworthy. May we look ahead to this new month with spirit of expectancy. For You are able to do far more abundantly than we can ask or imagine. Lord, hear our prayers and praise for Your provision and mercy.

Amen.

Psalm 5:3 (NLT) Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Your fellow sojourner, Jennifer Thomas