Great Expectations
3-10-04

In the message "Careful Thought To Our Ways" we saw how God is the Director of our steps and how we must carefully (and prayerfully) develop goals and plans which glorify His name. And though our true goal should always be to fully release our life to God and worship Him for all eternity, each day we walk this earth can be filled with a wonderful excitement as we live for Him.

Paul was confined in Rome when he wrote his letter to the Philippians. He didn't know whether he would be set free or executed, but he knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Paul had seen God's hand at work and fully understood His love and power. He had completely turned his life over to God and now lived with an excitement at how God would use him to accomplish His plan.

Philippians 1:20
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body whether by life or by death."

There were times when Paul's situation appeared dismal and without hope, but he had already seen how God was using ALL things to His glory; "It has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ" (Philippians 1:13). Paul's hardship had made it possible for the whole palace guard to hear the gospel message and had encouraged others to "speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly" (Philippians 1:14). Paul had learned the true joy of being a vessel through whom God could work.

As we follow Jesus we must develop a view which is not constrained by what we see; "For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18). He is ALWAYS at work, and always inviting us to join by His side. As we develop an eternal view of this world, we will see every situation as working toward His good. Trials will become a wonderful time of growth, and interruptions in our plans will become exciting God-directed opportunities for ministry.

We spend so much time trying to create our future happiness that we miss the true joy God has for us today. He is calling us to know Him better and love Him more; to experience His love and share His love with others. He has a wonderful and exciting plan for us TODAY! "He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Psalm 95:7-8).

Let's begin each day with a wondrous anticipation: "I can't wait to see what God has for me today!" God has an amazing plan for our life! Let's develop a view which looks and longs for opportunities to draw near, love Him, and serve. Let's live each day filled with joy and great expectations.

Have A Great Day!