ANTICIPATE
When God makes promises, we can anticipate the sure fulfillment of them. Several Scriptures come to my mind that remind me God is sovereign over all, and He always keeps His Word. Without this true foundation, there could be no valid expectation.
Because God is perfectly faithful in His Word, I can expect that God will make all things work together for my good because I love Him and am called to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Because God sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross in my place, I have a blessed assurance that Heaven is my eternal Home.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Because God is just, one day those who have refused His mercy and His Son will cut off – separated from God forever. God will make all things right, and He will not be mocked.
Psalm 75:10 “All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.”
Because God thinks thoughts of peace for me, I can believe that He will bring my troubles to an expected end. He doesn’t say how or when, but I can wait and trust His best interest in my life – created by Him!
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Because God is a good Father Who gives me good gifts, and because He is the Father of Light, I can count Him my greatest gift in the darkness, in the waiting. He never leaves, and He gives songs in the night, even though no one else may be able to hear them.
Isaiah 45:3 “And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.”
I am thankful I can trust God’s promises and anticipate what God will do in His timing and in His way.
-jlw 9.8.22