Great Expectations

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

     The people of Israel have been exiled in Babylon for years, being subjected to a culture that is extremely different than when they were in their own country. The prophet Jeremiah is being prompted by God to speak to the people and show them that even though their circumstances dictate otherwise there is a grand future awaiting them.

      What many of us may or may not realize is that the very moment we pray God's action is instantly activated, the manifestation of the action however, could take time. It doesn't mean that its not at work, in fact, what is about to unfold in our life is greater than what we initially hoped for to begin with. Some of us would be content to just emerge from our situation, but God is looking to do greater things. He's looking to exceed our expectation.

       The people of Israel were able to return to their homeland after exile and many were able to live prosperous lives in the aftermath. God wants us to have enough confidence in Him to rise above what we even see. He wants us to trust in the plan He has for us. If we know Him in the slightest bit, we'd expect the greatest of outcomes for our future. I hope one day we'd all recognize this is the way He wants to be known by us. We ought to believe for the greatest of expectations, He will never disappoint us.