Christians, the Word of God talks about how God can provide in such a manner that it exceeds our expectations. Why do so many of us feel like God can barely make our ends meet? The problem lies with our expectations. First and foremost, we are all too often swayed by what we see others have. We see people driving all sorts of vehicles, living in ridiculous houses, we see over-consumption at its worst (at least here in the USA). To my foreign readers, you may not see the excess that I am talking about in your home countries.
Here, there are TV shows that take us into the houses of people who are famous and they show off all their toys, furniture, cars, possessions, etc. We, as Christians, can see that it is excessive, obviously beyond what they truly need to survive, yet in our mind, we may think, “I want that too!” Christians, if we set our expectations as the world: with excessive luxury, wastefulness and wealth, do we really think God will honor our hearts and exceed THOSE expectations? I certainly hope not.
God wants to make sure that we don’t look at other’s belongings and covet them. One of the BIG TEN is “thou shall not covet your neighbor’s possessions.” When we can separate ourselves from the “American Dream” and the “Christian American Dream,” then we can humble ourselves and truly identify NEEDS we have. We can set our hearts to be acceptable of the bare minimum we truly NEED in a situation. Then we can be content in our lives truly trusting God has everything covered. Time and time again I have seen God EXCEED my expectations!
I must warn you though, when you get to this points, when God exceeds your expectations, you will probably still have less than a lot of other people, but you will have MORE than you truly need for the situation you are going through. I have been through a lot to reduce my expectations for life. Before I was serving God, I had far superior dreams and expectations, far grander than most people. I wanted to be the most successful businessman on earth (no exaggeration). I had dreams and desires far beyond most rational people, but God humbled me, He chastened me, He truly loves me enough to reduce me to show me what is truly necessary in life.
I am in no way saying that you cannot have nice things, expensive things, luxury things. I am simply saying that if you compare your life to the world’s wealthiest one percent, you will feel “less than” and no matter what God gives you, you will feel like you need more. However if you compare yourself to the impoverished world where 80% of the world lives on $10 or LESS per day. Then you can already FEEL blessed and abundantly provided for. Now that God has showed me this, I set my expectations within reason, I have so much fun and enjoyment watching my Father God meet and exceed the needs I have in my life, and I would not want it any other way.
So why does God give us more than we need? Why exceed expectations? When we reach a point where we feel God has exceeded our expectations, it creates the opportunity to give to others. God’s ultimate desire is for us to see our needs met, and then go and help meet other’s needs when we can. If you live a life always trying to build up your life here, you will never be in a position to be generous toward others, you will never have enough for yourselves, let alone anyone else. I pray that as you renew your mind on your expectations, that God bless you abundantly and you see opportunities to give into other’s lives, in Jesus name, Amen.
Now to Him who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams]–to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen. (so be it.) Ephesians 3:20-21 (AMP)
And they (fellow believers) exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. II Corinthians 8:5 (NIV)
Acts 3:1-10 Is a story of a crippled beggar asking Peter and John for money. He just wanted enough to get by, and what does the Spirit of God do through Peter, through the power of Jesus Christ, they restored his body and he went into the temple, “walking, LEAPING, and praising God!” His Expectations were EXCEEDED!
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! II Corinthians 9:8-15 (NLT)
written and posted by Daniel Poggensee | 2016
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