40 DAYS OF ABUNDANT LIVING – RAISING YOUR LEVEL OF EXPECTANCY

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“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

In his late forties, Brian felt as though everything in his world was falling apart and coming down on his shoulders. His business went bankrupt. He lost his family through divorce. His health was deteriorating. At one time, he had been an extremely successful man. But now, for many years he had merely existed, living with no joy, no peace, and no zest.

One day, a friend who cared enough to level with Brian told him, “I love you, buddy, but you need to quit focusing on all the negative; stop looking at everything you’ve lost and start looking at all you have left.” Brian’s friend challenged him, “Start believing that things are going to change for the better, not because you deserve it, but simply because God loves you that much!”

The friend’s words resonated with Brian’s spirit and slowly but surely he began to take the advice to heart. He established fresh patterns in his life. He decided that every morning before he got out of bed, he was going to write down ten things for which he could be thankful. All day long, he constantly thought about that list. He continued this habit day after day, week after week, month after month.

What was Brian doing? He was reprogramming his mind. He was breaking those old negative habits, and he was developing an attitude of faith.

Within a matter of months, his situation began to turn around. First he got his joy back. Then his health and vitality returned. He soon got his job back and, eventually, many of his relationships were restored. Most important, he got his life back! Because he moved his expectations higher, he was able to escape that old negative mentality. He stopped focusing on what he didn’t have, on what he had lost, on his past mistakes and failures. Instead, he started dwelling on the goodness of God. He filled his mind with thoughts of hope, faith, and victory. He developed a fresh vision, expecting things to change for the better. Sure enough, that’s when his life turned around.

Each day, you must choose to live with attitude that expects good things to happen to you. The Bible says, “Set your mind and keep it set on the higher things.” Start your day with faith and expectancy, and then go out anticipating good things. Expect circumstances to change in your favor. Expect people to go out their way to help you. Expect to be at the right place at the right time.

To raise your level of expectancy, you should:
1. Program your mind for success
Faith is the substance of things hoped for. We should confidently expect the favor of God. Expect doors of opportunity to open for you. Expect to excel in your career. Expect to rise above life’s challenges. Our expectations set the boundaries for our lives. Jesus said, ”According to your faith … it done to you.” In other words, “You will have what your faith expects.”

2. Look through the eyes of faith
Faith is the evidence of things not seen. You must look through your “eyes of faith” and start seeing yourself as happy, healthy, and whole. Regardless of your situation or present circumstances, you must encourage yourself that today God could turn things around. Today could be the day He restores your marriage. This could be the day He brings your child home. Today may be the day you business begins to prosper exponentially. This could be the day you see your miracle.” You must make a conscious decision, an act of your will, to maintain an attitude of expectancy and keep your mind filled with thoughts of hope.

3. Find somewhere you can dream
Faith is fueled by your hopes. God is extremely interested in what you see through your “spiritual eyes.” Do you see yourself getting stronger, healthier, happier, your life filled with God’s blessings, favor, and victory? If you can see it, it can come to pass. Find someplace where you can dare to dream big dreams; a place where your faith will be elevated. Get out of that negative environment and get into an atmosphere of victory, where people will build you up rather than tear you down. Find a place where people will encourage you and challenge you to be the best you can be. Find a place where people inspire you to reach for new heights. You have to envision good things happening to you before they ever will. I encourage you to raise your expectations; start seeing yourself receiving good things. Expect the favor of God. Expect His blessings. Expect to increase. Expect promotion. Get up and face each day with enthusiasm, knowing that God has great things in store for you.

Shalom,

Rev. Obadiah Swen
Pastor, BWOC-VA

Application and Prayer for Today
1. Reflect on what you are thinking about the most.
2. Are your days filled will hope and faith? What kind of environment are you living in?
3. Pray that God will help you to delight in His word as you mediate on it daily. Psalm 1:1-3