How often do we get out of bed in the morning with an expectation that is focused confidently on what we desire and are believing for, rather than being fearful or expecting things to go wrong?
William Carey who was a life long missionary to India once said, “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” That sort of attitude was founded in a confidence of God’s ability, rather than in fear and limitations.
God wants us to put aside our fears and to expect great things of Him as we speak and pray words of faith. It’s that sort of powerful, confident expectation that moves both heaven and earth. “For we walk by faith, and not by sight.” (1 Corinthians 5:11)
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)
The story of blind Bartimaeus is an example of what can happen when we have great expectations. Bartimaeus had heard how Jesus was healing the sick and was now heading his way.
Bartimaeus clearly had high expectations that he too could be healed, because on hearing the news Jesus was close by he immediately began calling out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ ” ((Mark 10:46–47 (NKJV).
The people around Bartimaeus told him to be quiet, but Bartimaeus wouldn’t listen to them. He shouted out even louder. “JESUS, SON OF DAVID, HAVE MERCY ON ME!”
When we begin to expect something from God, there will be people around us who will try to squash our expectations. They will be quick to tell us why something can’t happen. Bartimaeus is a good example of what to do when faced with opposition or people who don’t think or believe as we do. He ignored them, and would not allow anyone to quiet him or his expectations, for he was determined to receive his healing and answer!
When we really expect to get something from God, nobody should keep us quiet. It doesn’t matter who they are; our family, friends, co-workers, even other well-meaning Christians. Bartimaeus believed that this was his opportunity to get healed, and he wasn’t going to let it pass him by!
That confident expectation caused Jesus to stop and find out what Bartimaeus wanted.
“Notice what Bartimaeus did next: “And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus” (v. 50).
That garment or coat identified Bartimaeus as a beggar and outcast in society. But when he threw off his coat, Bartimaeus purposely in expectation laid down his life of begging. He wouldn’t need that beggars coat anymore because he wasn’t going to be a blind beggar anymore”. (K.Hagin)
What are you expecting today? Like blind Bartimaeus, is it time for you to throw down the “garments” you’ve been hanging on to. To throw off the garment of depression, lack, fear, sickness, failure and tiredness; the garment that says, “I can’t or I am unworthy.”
Take a leaf out of Bartimaeus’ book and look to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith and begin to expect great things of God.
Don’t be satisfied with the same level of life you’ve been at for years. Today is a new day, and God’s mercies are new every morning, so build your expectation for God to do something the same way Bartimaeus did. Spend time seeking Jesus and read and listen to the accounts about him. Then lift your expectations, believe and position yourself to receive your answer and miracle today!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
Prayer: Jesus, I’m lifting my expectation today for you to work in and through me. I’m throwing off the old garment of…….., and expecting great things to happen in my life, starting today. In Jesus name Amen.
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