Expectations

Act 3:5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Expectations are powerful. We have expectations of what a situation will be like; of what a new food will taste like; of who we will get along with. But our expectations are often wrong. We discover that we really do like brussel sprouts; we find that the roller coaster isn’t so scary. And having expectations that are wrong are not always a big deal. If we never try, or learn to like brussel sprouts, there are other things to eat. If we never ride a roller coaster, the amusement park still has plenty of fun rides. But false expectations about people can be hurtful. If we expect a new acquaintance to be a trusted friend, and they don’t live up to our standards, we are hurt.

Incorrect expectations of God are downright dangerous. If we expect God to be distant, we will never become close to Him. If we expect God to be uncaring, we will never receive from Him. The lame man expected something good from Peter and John. And yet, how many times had they passed this same man, who was laid at the main gate of the temple every day? Peter and John had walked past him many times. But this day was different. It was different because the lame man had different expectations. This day he expected something good, not just alms.

We receive from God when we expect something good from Him. Look for His blessing. Expect it.