“Give ear to my words, O LORD,
consider my sighing.
Listen to my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation” (Psalm 5:1-3).
I love that the Psalmist uses the word “expectation.’ He not only petitioned the Lord, he anticipated an answer. To “expect” means to have a confident belief or strong hope that a particular event will happen.
For years, I have been faithfully praying for my strong-willed son. He was determined to “do” life his own way and in his own strength. He’s put up a strong fight, but lately he’s grown weary. I knew God was at work. This past weekend, my 24 year-old son shared with me that he had surrendered his heart to Christ.
“I’m tired.” He said. “It’s time to become what God intends me to be.” With that, all things have become new! My mamma’s heart leaped with joy! If I knew I wouldn’t break a leg, I would have turned chart-wheels. I couldn’t stop praising the Lord for His mercy, grace, and faithfulness. I also learned a great lesson. It’s always too soon to stop praying. Prayer moves the hand of God. He is working even when we are unaware of His actions.
Too often, our fears and doubts keep us from believing in prayer, from crying out to God and anticipating a loving response. In discouragement, we give up. But giving up is the last thing we should do.
Author and pastor, Henry T. Blackaby, challenges us to watch with expectation for God’s answers to prayer. “Whenever you pray, whatever happens next is God’s answer.” Jesus said it this way, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:7).
We should anticipate great things from our great God. We should so eagerly expect Him to hear our cries and respond. We should be looking all around in anticipation of the answer. According to Hebrews 11:1, we see God’s provisions by believing. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Let me ask you, do you hope God will answer your needs or do you anticipate God’s generous hand at work in your life? Do you wait with expectancy or do you doubt His provision? Granted, He may be slow at responding, but His answers are always right on time. While it would be nice if God owned the same watch that we do, we can always count on His reply- in His timing. We’ll see our Guide at work directing our lives when we can say, “I will wait and watch with expectation for my God.”
His timing may be slow, but it’s certain. Keep praying! It’s always too soon to stop!
Barb Wall says
Oh thank you Micca–I have a strong-willed 24 year old daughter-she has an almost 3 year old daughter also. I call my gray hair-Natalie!! She is a wonderful child but so lost–you give me hope to keep up those prayers!!God Bless you and thank you again, Barb
Mary says
OH! My heart aches for our son and the choices he has and is making. He is running so fast from Jesus… thank you for the reminder to keep praying for him. To. not. give. up. To not give up. Thank you for your words, they were a blessing to a weary Mom. Jesus CAN restore our son’s relationship with Himself and with us.
Christine Mc says
Thank you Thank you thank you!! you speak the truth and for that i am thankful. It amazes me how we as parents have our heart aches for our own children. How much deeper that runs with God and ALL of his children.
Many Blessings!!
Jill says
Great post Micca!! May we all head your reminder!! Let us turn to HIM always and trust HIM and His timing!!! Blessings from Iowa, Jill
Laura says
Thank God for your encouraging post. This is what i need. I should persevere in praying for my loved ones salvation. we must eagerly anticipate His answer to prayers.
Thank you, God bless you.
Cile says
Praise God for your son’s salvation! I have just found your blog. Thank you so much for writing truth and for sharing such a close-to-your-heart truth.
Sherri Beck says
Thank you so much for sharing…I needed to be reminded not to give up and to trust that God is still working in my childrens lives even if it doesn’t look like he is.
God bless you!
Sherri says
Thank you for sharing. I needed to be reminded not give up and to trust that God is working in my childrens hearts and lives even when it doesn’t look like it.
God bless you!
Angie says
Thank you for your post today, Micca. I have been subscribed to Proverbs 31 ministries for a couple of months now, but I just recently subscribed to your blog site… You are truly an encourager and I am battling through A LOT right now in my life. I DO struggle with worry and fear about the future. I am 35, going through divorce from a man that I have been with since I was 13 years old and I have 2 beautiful children to raise (ages 12 & 7). Did I mention that I am also in nursing school?? Well, anyways, I am really trying to change my thinking and to trust in God that He is in control. I thank you again for your post and look forward to your others in the future 🙂