Renewing the Mind: Expectation vs. Expectancy
Notes from Jump Start Prayer Ministry 2/23/14
Disclaimer: Some of you may not agree, but I have seen this and experienced it first hand. I am aware that this is one thing that the enemy uses subtly to destroy God's people. Be open and allow the Spirit of God to speak to your heart in love.
"Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the POWER that worketh in you." Ephesians 3:20 (Emphasis added)
A woman who is pregnant has expectancy, an understanding and a knowing that a baby is coming. And although a due date is given based on scientific knowledge about gestation, there is no exact knowledge of an exact date when birthing naturally because neither the doctor's or mother has full control of when the baby comes.
The above scenario defines the difference between expectation and expectancy. The two words are very similar, but when looking deeper under the surface, we find that they are different.
Expectancy is anticipatory belief. You aren't sure how something will work out, but you anticipate that it will work out well and for your good. Expectancy is hope. Hope doesn't make us ashamed, because the love of our God is shed abroad in our hearts in Christ Jesus. Expectancy allows for us to live life flexibly. Whenever obstacles invade our space, we can respond to that obstacle with expectancy knowing that God's Grace is sufficient. It is our way of receiving God's promises and pronouncements about our lives without trying to manipulate and dictate to Him how and when they should be delivered to us. You know how we do that, right? We try to manipulate God by trying to earn blessings from Him rather than receiving it by Grace and His Christ's finished and completed work. In my Dr. Phil voice, "How's that working for ya?!" We can never earn what Jesus has already bought, that's why we hope and have faith in Him. It's why we learn to rest in Him and allow Him to lead and guide us into all truth.
On the contrary, expectation is the degree of probability that something will happen. It is how we maintain dominance and control over one another. Most of us have put expectations on others or have had expectations put on us. The issue with expectation is we set in our minds what will happen, how it will happen, when it should happen, why it should happen, who should complete what is expected to happen and if it doesn't happen according to plan, we become disappointed and frustrated with those who did not make it happen. How many times have you failed to meet the expectations of folks that have put them on you? I bet that you, just like me, have failed at meeting a multitude of expectations. I remember one Thanksgiving, a family member stated to my sister and I a set of expectations that they had of us for years that we never knew about. These expectations were one sided, which meant that we were expected to comply but there was no reciprocity for the person who had these expectations. In other words,
"You had better do what I expect, but don't expect me to reciprocate." Thus, the person in whom did not carry out the expectation is held to certain standards that most times can't be met by the person with the expectation and both parties end up wounded. Beloved, expectation breeds contempt. "It is nothing more than premeditated resentment." (Earnestly)
How many families have been broken due to expectation? How many more children have to grow into depressed adults because they failed to meet the expectations of their parents? How many friendships have been destroyed because "I expect you to call me every day." Or, "I expect to be your only friend in whom you confide in." How many people have been beat up and wounded in churches where there are expectations that even the leadership can't maintain? (Oh yes, I went there!). What are we doing to each other? Why do we put so much pressure on each other to perform when God doesn't even pressure us? Our Father's only expectation of us is to believe on Jesus Christ, "ask and think" then allow for the dynamite POWER that lives in us to work His will in His time, on our behalf, in us and through us. Our trust in His ability breeds expectancy. Do you not know that God's Grace and love has provided for our mistakes and weaknesses? Furthermore, when you are weak; that is, when you relinquish your right to be in control, then He will make you strong.
Loved one, you are hereby released from the negative results that have destroyed your confidence because of failure to meet expectations, especially those one sided, unrealistic ones. Be free from ALL bondage and allow for God's love to wash over you like a warm wave and a soft wind.
I pray that you have found freedom in these last two months of Mind Renewing messages. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5
His Image Manifested hosts a weekly prayer conference call entitled, "Jump Start" designed to give you a boost for your week. You may call in every Sunday at 6:00 PM EST at 530-881-1212, Pin#:545-495-056. I hope to hear you on the call.
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In HIM,
Jos
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