Expectations of Greatness

I caught myself feeling a little disappointed by the fact that this past Thursday was the conclusion of our series on HOPE . And that's when it hit me: Who said this was the end? Why is this end? Let me immediately reassure all of you reading this, I am not planning on prolonging the series on hope. When it comes to speaking on hope, this series is over. But things shouldn't end just because we aren't talking about it on Thursday nights anymore. Apparently, I had already begun to forget last Thursday's challenge. My expectations had been lowered without even realizing it.

Ever been at that place in your own life? Will you be brave enough (or just honest enough) to admit standing in that spot? It's a little scary. It's also really humbling when you acknowledge being stuck there. No one likes the idea that they don't expect enough from God. We are supposed to believe God can do anything, right? So how is it possible for us to have so much faith in God, but expect so little from God?

But then again, who are we to expect anything from God? How has the church messed this up so badly? If we don't have high enough expectations from God - we are labeled as not having enough faith . But when we admit to having expectations from God . . . when we believe God can do the impossible and start living in expectation that God will do it (being dissatisfied by anything less), we oftentimes find ourselves in danger of being labeled prideful . Is it any wonder that we come across so many people who have become disillusioned and frustrated by the church and turned their back on religion? It shouldn't be that complicated!

Small groups on Thursday nights after I speak have been so awesome! People are beginning to move beyond "church answers" and are starting to be authentic with each other. And as the facades have dropped, some honest revelations have been discovered. One of the biggest being that the struggles we have with faith and hope in God are usually being felt by more people than we realize. We share those frustrations. But we've made it impossible to share our struggles with other Christians for fear of the reaction we'll get. The table discussions have been so helpful! As people took a risk and opened up, I could see people realize that they're not alone. We all struggle. And small groups have enabled us to share our struggles and triumphs - and hopefully build each other up in the process. That's church the way it should be. Not a self-help or self-pity group. But a group that can encourage and bear with one another when we struggle - no weak links!

I want leave you with a quote I heard recently: We are still paddling on the edge of the ocean of the possibilities of grace. Wow! That quote is empowering! When we realize we are covered by grace, the pressure is gone. We don't have to earn God's favor - just accept it! And when we realize we are living under the umbrella of God's favor, how can we NOT expect the impossible from God?

So the questions remain: What do you expect from God? And are your expectations big enough enough for our God, or do we need to expand our expectations? Expect BIG things. Impossible things! God can and will do it! Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or think. See you all next Thursday!