As a parent, there are things that my children have come to expect from me. Some of these things are my responsibility, and others are blessings that I have chosen to give them. It is my responsibility to set a godly example on how to live, to protect them, and provide shelter and sustenance. As a father, it is my responsibility to provide some of these basic things, but I also often choose to bless them beyond what is required. In the same way, as children of God, there are things that we can expect from Him, but there is also a wealth of blessings that He desires to pour out on us.
Matthew 7:11 declares; “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
I believe that I have fulfilled my responsibilities to my children, but there have been times (just a few that I can remember) that I have withheld my blessing because of their behavior or rebellious attitudes. Just like my kids have expectations from me, I have certain things that I expect from them if I am going to bless them with certain things.
Do you know that there are things that God expects from you? All too often we confuse the grace of God with the blessings of God. His grace is extended to us regardless of our response to Him. Grace is "unmerited favor." It is the fact that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. It is the fact that Jesus took upon the sins of the entire world so that we might have eternal life. His grace was displayed to us on the Cross. Make no mistake about it; God has already fulfilled His responsibility to us. He has made a way for everyone that calls upon the name of Jesus to have eternal life. That is His grace – things that are extended to use because of His goodness and unconditional love. So, as children of God, we are thankful for His grace, but we all want His blessings too. But to receive the blessings of God requires something from us. When you spend time with the Lord in prayer and worship, you can live with expectancy of His blessings. When you strive to live in obedience to His Word, you can live a life of expectancy for His blessings. When you are faithful to the cause of Christ, you can live a life of expectancy.
Like a good earthly father, our Heavenly Father wants to demonstrate HIS power in marvelous ways that we never saw coming.
What are you needing or expecting from God today? How do you unlock that door of blessings that God has for you? What is required of us? He is calling you and me to be faithful servants who study and live by the Scripture. He delights in every great thing that comes our way, every victory, every mountaintop experience...just as we delight in the joy we see on our children’s faces when they are rewarded for their accomplishments.
God wants to pour out His unexpected blessings on your life. If you’re looking for ultimate success and unlimited power through Christ Jesus our Lord, be consistent with your faithfulness to the Kingdom. A few hours on Sunday is not going to give you what you need to feed your spirit and grow in the Lord. Our God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Do you want to see more of God’s provision in your life? Be faithful in your giving. Luke 6:38 tells us, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom...” People often ask for God’s provision, but they aren’t willing to give. People want God’s miracle-working power in their lives, but they’re not willing to fast and pray.
Do you want God’s blessings to saturate your life? Be faithful to His Word (Deuteronomy 28). We must be faithful and obedient before God can bless us. He gives us many promises throughout His Word, but we must do our part first.
There are a lot of people that love to quote a portion of Malachi 3:10. All too often they declare; “...and God will open for you the windows of heaven and pour for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” YES, God wants to pour out blessings, but the first part of that verse has a requirement. Let’s read it together:
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10
Do you see it? For God to open the windows of heaven, we have to bring all the tithes into the storehouse. You cannot withhold something from God and expect Him to pour out blessings on you.
God is waiting to bless you with an unexpected portion of His power and provision that will enable you to do things that are truly unbelievable.
Do you need a supernatural outpouring in your life today? The Bible is filled with promises that can lead to a life of great expectation. Are you willing to do your part?
Every promise has two parts...God’s part and our part. When we follow what God is asking of us, blessings begin to saturate every corner of our lives. But when we disobey God, we must expect to be disciplined. God can only use those who are willing to take up their Cross and follow Him.
Are you ready to join me in living a life filled with great expectation?
