Title: Anticipation, not Expectation
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. – Ephesians 6:12
In our lives, there are times of deep distress. As destruction piles up around us and hopelessness closes in, we are faced with the choice to give up or to look up.
At a men’s conference, a pastor speaking suggested we put the word “but” in between our devastation and the rest of our story. “This is a bad situation, but God is for me, so what He has next is going to be awesome.” At this moment, we are often downtrodden. Still, we should be encouraged as we remember earlier trials God has brought us through and that, ultimately, the battle is His.
For the battle is not yours, but God’s. – 2 Chronicles 20:15c
Looking forward with anticipation, not expectation, is the best strategy I have found in the heart of today’s battle. As the battle rages, show up, be present, and be excited to see what God can do with your “but.”
Real men know that God will come through.
