After the Sunday morning service a couple of weeks ago, my daughter, Amy, and I sat at a table in the church café with our area pastor and he asked us a probing question – “Are you expectant?”  In my way of over-analyzing and over-complicating things, I just could not come up with a good answer for this very simple question—because it is very difficult to look forward to the adventures and grace God has ahead for us without acknowledging the amazing experiences and church family we are leaving behind.  Thankfully, the spiritual growth and eternal ties forged here will be coming with us.

Sometime in my life  I developed a belief based in a false humility that cherishing expectations is wrong; yet, to deny that we all have them in one form or another is denial.  Every promise of God is founded in hope and the expectation that God will do what He says He will do, perhaps not in the ways our minds and limited creativity can devise, but He is faithful—“My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved….Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:5-6, 8).

I think everyone recognizes that change is inevitable—and we have the opportunity to either resist it, reject it, revolt against God, or rejoice in the ongoing development of God’s purposes for us.  The only One who does not change is God and (Malachi 3:6, James 1:17) He is the basis for our security.  The apostle Paul exhorts the church at Philippi to “Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentleness be known to all men.  The Lord is at hand.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).

And he tells the Thessalonians to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:161-18).  God’s will for us is to give thanks!

Giving thanks, being content and experiencing peace has everything to do with trusting God no matter what is going on in our lives.  My desire is to please God in every circumstance—and without faith, it is impossible to please Him.

We are in Arkansas today.  Four days ago we were in Virginia and next week we will be in California.  Change is happening and I don’t have many opportunities to write.  That will change, I know; in the mean time I am trusting God and I recognize that He orders my steps.  Whatever lies ahead, I am expecting good things and great opportunities because our God is good and He does good things!