Dear writer, I hope you had a wonderful week and considered what an integrated life looks like in your writing journey! This week, we’re going to explore the outcome of learning to partner with God’s grace. That outcome is expectation.
You see, writer, when we live a life fully integrated into God’s grace, it creates an expectation that spurs us on. We actively engage in the work God’s given us and move toward His promises, because we expect them to come to pass. This kind of expectation makes us unstoppable!
But before we dive in, let’s look at some others whose expectation fueled their faithful work for God…
Expectation in History
Robert Peary, the first man to reach the North Pole is a great example of expectation. Peary had such deep conviction his team would be the first to navigate this uncharted territory, that he spent extra time in research and preparation to traverse a topography he had little experience with. Peary also hardened his men to the cold by having them sleep outdoors in increasingly cold temperatures.
As a result of Peary’s expectation and careful preparations, his team indeed successfully and safely make it to the North Pole, where others had attempted the same had suffered great losses.
You see, writer, there’s a difference between expectation and presumption. Expectation causes us to dig in and learn and grow. Presumption causes us to be slack, expecting success without effort.
Expectation in the Bible
Daniel is another great example of expectation. Though exiled in a foreign land, Daniel expected Israel’s promised return to Jerusalem after 70 years of exile. This expectation drew Daniel into deep intercession as the 70-year mark approached. Because of his prayers, God not only revealed what would happen to the returning Israelites, but what would take place before the return of Christ Himself.
As a result, Daniel’s prophetic dreams have informed the interpretation Biblical prophecy ever since.
You see, writer, when we fully expect God’s promises will come to pass, it causes us to press in when circumstances seem untoward. And as we press for God’s grace, He imparts more than we ever knew we needed for the journey.
Expectation in Life
I had a confident expectation that I was designed to create films as college freshman. With that conviction, I enrolled in a Drama/Television/Film Performance major. After one year of wholehearted engagement, I realized acting was not for me, though making films still was. A friend at the time re-directed me to multimedia production.
After graduation, I practiced writing and craft skills faithfully. I even bought myself a journal and a pen to write a story with to break myself of over-editing. I also continued to work on short films with friends and to practice the art of storytelling.
As a result of those preparations, when God called me to write a book, I was ready to jump in without hesitation. Though I’ve not entered fully into the film arena yet, each step of wholehearted obedience has prepared me further for that goal.
Expectation in Your Life
You see, writer, sometimes we are disappointed when our dreams don’t come to pass in the timeframe we anticipated. But learning to live in expectation is about trusting God’s timing and obeying His lead, even as we press toward the fulfillment. And here’s the thing…
As we move forward in this faith and expectation, it allows God to shape and mold and define the dream He’s given us as we approach it. Let me show you…
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
- Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. – Proverbs 23:7-18
- But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary.” – Isaiah 40:31
You see, writer, learning to live a life of expectation is really about learning to live a life of hope. A life of full confidence and peace based on God’s promises and His unfolding revelation to us.
When we have this kind of hope, it strengthens us to weather life’s storms with courage and conviction, because we know He who promised is faithful. And the best part is that hope will be infused in our work, too.
Where to Start with Expectation
So are you ready to consider your level of expectation regarding God’s promises for your life? Here are a couple ideas to get you started…
- Be Honest. Have you been struggling to hold onto hope? Then the best place to begin growing your expectation is by being honest with God about how you feel and asking for His help. He already knows our heart and longs for us to boldly approach His throne to ask for mercy and grace in time of need! I encourage you to journal this conversation with Him.
- Stir Up Your Faith. Once you’ve been honest and asked God for help, begin to stir up your faith. Ask Him for verses you can meditate on, pray, and confess that will replace doubt with truth. Listen to faith-filled messages on the topic. You see, we are transformed by the renewing of our mind, and what we think, speak, and hear, are powerful tools for renewal.
- Be Grateful .One of the greatest thieves of expectation is ingratitude. Take time daily to intentionally voice your gratitude to the Lord for blessings He gives throughout the day. Especially when you face difficulty. Remember His faithfulness in the past. Consider keeping a gratitude journal and/or a book of personal testimonies and remembrance.
- Be Connected. I strongly encourage you to prayerfully seek out prayer and accountability partners as you invest in growing your hope and expectation. God intends to infuse us with His power and life as we live in integration with His body. Ecclesiastes reminds us that two are better than one, because when one is weak the other can help. Plus, God has gifted us each uniquely with a piece of His heart that others need. So finding your place in the Body isn’t optional, it’s critical. Because here’s the thing..
Peary didn’t reach the North Pole alone. Even Daniel had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I was encouraged through my journey by more people than I could count. And when we begin to align with others who are also expecting great things from God, amazing things begin to happen! And that’s when the watching world begins to take note.
Just like they did in Peary’s expedition. Just as millions have been captivated by Daniel’s revelation. Just as many have been drawn to the books I’ve written and the writing conferences they’ve lead to.
So I encourage you today, if you’ve felt worn and weary, ask God for grace to restore your hope. Then plug into Him and into His body to boldly take the next small step toward His plans for you! As you do, you never know the power He’ll be able to unleash through you.
#expectation #hope #grace #EveryWriterWriting
Want to Learn More?
If you enjoyed this blog post be sure to look for our FREE “Grace for the Writer’s Journey” video sessions, including Laurel’s Grace for Identity – Unearthing Treasures in Ourselves through Community and the accompanying small group workbook for purchase on Amazon!
