Great expectations ❤️

Have you ever expected something for so long you almost gave up? 

The Advent season has four primary themes to prepare us for the celebration of the Advent of Christ and the arrival of the Judge of eternity. The first theme is hope. The Bible calls Jesus the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He came in a manger, but He will return with an army. 

If you are like me, I’ve been waiting for His return for over 35 years. The apostles Paul and Peter were convinced they would see the second coming during their lifetime. But it’s been two thousand years, and we are still waiting for every promise to be fulfilled. Why is God taking so long to bring heaven to earth? 

The Bible says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV)

I’m sure the Jewish nation struggled with a long wait for their Messiah, and when He came, many did not recognize him. One very old lady waited for more than 84 years. The Bible describes her like this: “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” (Luke 2:36-37, NIV)

This old prophetess had waited with expectation for many years when she finally saw the answer. “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38, NIV) 

friend, have you ever waited with great expectations for a long time? 

I’ll never forget the day my dad accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord. It was amazing and incredible. I cried with joy for a very long time, but this miracle took over 25 years of waiting, praying, fasting, and frustration. What drove me to never give up? Hope. Deep inside me, I never lost hope that one day, my dad would meet my Savior and friend.

Have you lost hope? Do you need to regain it? All things are possible with God. It’s time to trust God again and let hope arise in your spirit and mind. 

Because you’re a miracle.