Daily Devotional: Wednesday, September 14 - Great Expectations

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” — John 14:13-14

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Has the Lord ever let you down? An opportunity you just knew was coming your way, something you were certain you deserved? We only become disappointed when our expectations aren’t met. But is God responsible for meeting your expectations? Our expectations of God must be based on His promises.

God will be faithful in keeping His promises, not meeting the expectations we place on Him. I’ve learned that our most sincere prayers are sometimes denied. God still knows what’s best, even though it may leave us hurt. Just because we love our kids does not mean we give them everything they ask for. We know what’s best for them in the long run, so there are times we must say “no.” They pout and pull away, but if we aren’t careful, we can act the same way toward God.

But wait, doesn’t the Bible say, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19)? Yeah, but like children, what you think you need and what God knows you need are two different things. Jesus clearly taught in John 14:13-14, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

Align your expectations with God’s great promises. The Lord will always be faithful to give you everything you need to do what He has called you to do for Him.

— Jerry Birch, Cleveland Cavaliers chaplain

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