Have you checked your expectations lately? When you pray, do you truly believe God will answer, or are you simply going through the motions? Your expectations reveal a lot about your faith and mindset.
James 1:6-8 reminds us, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”
This is a powerful warning against being double-minded. When we pray without expecting God to move, we’ve already limited what He can do in our lives. Faith isn’t just about saying the right words; it’s about aligning our hearts and minds with the truth that God is able and willing to fulfill His promises.
Are You Expecting Results?
Think about your prayers and the actions you’ve been taking to reach your dreams. Are you moving forward with the expectation that things won’t work out, or are you stepping out in faith, believing that God is already working on your behalf?
The difference is crucial. When you expect failure, you begin to operate in doubt, fear, and hesitation. But when you expect success—when you trust that God is faithful to His word—you step into a posture of faith and confidence.
In Mark 11:24, Jesus tells us, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Notice the order: believe first, and then you will receive. Faith is not just hoping something will happen; it’s trusting that God has already started working, even if you don’t see the results yet.
Praying with Faith and Expectation
Prayer is a powerful tool, but it must be paired with faith and expectation. If we pray while doubting, our prayers lose their power. Instead, we must approach God with boldness, believing that He hears us and is faithful to respond.
Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
When you pray:
- Align Your Expectations with God’s Promises. Meditate on Scripture to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness. His word is full of promises that He will never fail to keep.
- Declare God’s Will Over Your Life. Speak life and truth over your situation, trusting that God’s plan is good.
- Take Action in Faith. Prayer is not passive. As you pray, take steps toward your goals with the expectation that God is guiding your path.
Don’t Be Double-Minded
Being double-minded means living in a state of conflict—believing one moment and doubting the next. Instead, ask Him to help you stand firm in faith, even when circumstances seem uncertain.
In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” This promise encourages us to pray with persistence and confidence, knowing that God hears us and is working for our good.
A Prayer for Faithful Expectation
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being a faithful and loving God who hears my prayers. Forgive me for the times I’ve doubted or prayed without expectation. Strengthen my faith so I can pray with confidence, trusting that You are always working on my behalf. Help me to align my heart and mind with Your promises and to take bold steps toward the dreams You’ve placed in my heart. I believe that You are able to do immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Expectation Changes Everything
As you pray and pursue your dreams, remember that expectation is the fuel of faith. Believe that God has already begun working on your behalf and live in anticipation of His blessings. When you pray with faith and take steps forward with confidence, you position yourself to receive all that God has in store for you.
Don’t just go through the motions. Pray boldly, expect results, and trust that God is faithful to fulfill His promises.
