Arise!: How to Get Back Up When Life Has Knocked You Down. A 5-Day Plan With Jacques McNeilSample

Expectation, Arise!

“Expectation is the root of all heartache.” ~William Shakespeare

There was a time in my life when I lived by this quote. I am a planner by nature, and while in college I carefully crafted my life plan, and I was ready to move and groove. However, shortly after graduation I experienced one setback after another. I questioned if my expectations were unrealistic or if I had done something wrong.

I majored in finance in undergrad, so I will admit my concept of life inside and outside of the classroom was formula based. Certainly, if I crossed my “T’s” and dotted my “I’s” life would flow according to my plan.

I was rudely awakened to the error of my ways as absolutely nothing was going as I had planned. I continued praying and attending church regularly, but deep in my heart cynicism was attempting to arise.

I felt like my expectation was the culprit, so if I no longer had any expectations, then my chances for heartache would be diminished. Honestly speaking, this mindset persisted for quite a while. I prayed and believed for others, but in my heart of hearts, I was deeply overwhelmed with sadness and disappointment. I felt like things would never change for me.

Years later, I began to see a shift in both my mindset and my life. Early one morning during my prayer time I sat quietly meditating on the Word. Out of nowhere I heard a noise outside my window that startled me. I could not see anything, so I immediately got up. My view was obstructed by a wall, so I stood on my tiptoes, hoping to get a glimpse of what I heard.

I was never able to see anything, but that morning I clearly heard the Lord say, “I have heard your requests and this is the position that I need you to remain in - on your tiptoes, as you expectantly wait for the manifestation of what I have promised.” That day it was unmistakable that my expectations needed to rise to a new level.

Picture a young child whose parents promised to bring them a treat, and they are eagerly awaiting their return from work. Standing on their tiptoes by the window, they anxiously scan for the familiar sight of their car, barely able to contain their excitement as they anticipate what’s to come,

Psalm 40:1 (TPT) says, “I waited and waited and waited some more, patiently, knowing God would come through for me. Then, at last, He bent down and listened to my cry.”

My friend, I hear the Lord saying to you, “Now is the time for your expectation to arise. I need you to be positioned on your tiptoes, expectantly waiting for My promises to manifest in your life. For they SHALL come to pass."

Remember, a delay does not equate to a denial. During periods of delay, the Lord is at times reshaping our hearts and desires. Everything in my plan did not magically appear, however the detours I encountered have taken me on a journey I could have never imagined. Allow me to encourage you to be open to the Lord exceeding your expectations.

As you position yourself on your tiptoes, I believe a spirit of expectation will arise in your life. This will not only reveal another dimension of who He is, but it will also enable you to be and have an even greater testimony.

Expect Him to do the impossible!

Expect Him to perform a miracle!

Expect Him to be true to His Word!

Declaration: Today I declare that the Lord will do remarkable things in my life. (Ps. 126:2b) Even though I have sown in tears, I will reap with joyful singing. (Ps. 126:5) I will remain confident that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Ps. 27:13)