How to Use Your Thoughts to Consistently Fuel Your Expectations

What are you expecting today?  Are you expecting a new job or a new home?  You may be expecting a family member to be healed or a child to return home.  Is your current reality hindering your expectations?  Life has a funny way of trying to extinguish our expectations.  Here is the hope to hold on to:  If God told you to expect it, then expect it because it will certainly happen!  

Abraham teaches us that even when our current realities contradict what was spoken by God, we should still have expectation.  In fact, Abraham shows us several ways to use our thoughts to fuel our expectations:

1. Thoughts of Agreement

Then the word of the Lord came to him [Abraham]: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:4-6 NIV  God spoke to Abraham and gave Him a mighty promise.  When The Lord finished speaking to him, verse 6 tells us that Abraham (Abram at the time) believed The Lord.  His thoughts immediately came into agreement with God.  If our thoughts are going to be used positively and fuel our expectations, then we must come into agreement with God.  What is it that God wants you to come into agreement with Him on?

2. Thoughts of Acceptance

Many, many years passed while Abraham was still waiting on the promise.  One day three 'visitors' came nearby and Abraham quickly went to greet and serve them.  (Genesis 18:1-10)  He quickly accepted the visitors.  Abraham could have refused to accept these men because he was frustrated and bitter about his waiting season, but he did not choose to respond that way.  He kept his thoughts open and willing to accept those he met.  It turned out the visitors were messengers for The Lord and they confirmed that he and his wife would have a son.  Again, Abraham maintained thoughts of acceptance.  He could have told the messengers that he did not want to hear that because God had told him that many years ago and it had not happened.  As he accepted the message, his thoughts fueled his expectation of the promise.  Are you still open to accept encouragement as God sends His messengers along your path? 

3. Thoughts of Action

Just as The Lord had said and just as the visitors had confirmed, a year later, Abraham's wife had a son.  (Genesis 1:1-3)  Imagine their relief and excited when their expectation became a reality!  Who knew that after all they had been through, Abraham would still have to contend for the promise.  Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”  Genesis 22:2 NIV  What would you do in that situation?  

What would you be thinking?  The Bible does not record what Abraham felt, but it does tell us what he did.  Abraham took action.  That leads me to believe that in spite of what he may have been feeling, his thoughts were set on action because he still had expectations.  The Bible says early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. Genesis 22:3 NIV  

Abraham's thoughts must have reassured him that God would still come through in this situation; he must have expected God to remain faithful.  Abraham did not argue or disobey, he took action.  When we read further into the chapter, we see that God stopped Abraham right before sacrificing Isaac.  In the end, Abraham's expectations were fully realized.  He indeed became the father to many.  All the while, his thoughts fueled his expectations because he believed God. 

How about your thoughts?  Are they fueling or extinguishing your expectations?  Take control of your thoughts today.  Begin to think thoughts of agreement, acceptance, and action and watch God manifest your expectations!  Let Him heal your soul!

I want to hear from YOU!

Question:  What do you do to hold on to your expectations?

For more strategies on your thought life and expectation, click here to get a copy of Chasing Contentment today and live the satisfied life that God has for you!

To check out more from Shayla, visit www.ShaylaHilton.com

Your Sister in Christ,

Prayer:  Heavenly Father,  You have promised me so many things, but expectations are low.  Help me to take charge of my thought life and expect everything you have for me because you are faithful.  Teach me to be in agreement, accepting, and to take action.  In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray, Amen.
 _______________________________________

RELATED POSTS: Four Steps to Consistently Dismiss Negative Thinking from Your Life  || Five Scriptures to Release the Peace of God in Your Life