great expectations

Back in December we were discussing the birth of Jesus during our Sunday lifegroup. We were all giving our 'favorite' parts of the story and asking questions about other parts. One question was quite interesting to me. Someone asked, 'Why do you think the shepherds immediately left in search of a baby'. Granted, there was a host of angels telling them to do so...but the question remains.

It seems like they were waiting, anticipating, and expecting, this to happen. They probably weren't expecting a host of angels to appear to them in the starry night sky, but they were probably waiting for the news that the Savior had been born. They had likely grown up hearing the prophecies of Jesus' birth. Did they expect it to happen in their lifetime? Maybe not, but they weren't surprised when it did.

Do we live in 'great expectation'? Jeremiah 33:3 says, 'Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.' God has promised us so many things. He has promised to provide for us, to love us, to show us grace and mercy. Romans 8:28 says, 'And we know that all things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.' We know these things, but yet we seem surprised when God blesses us...like we think he was just joking. God doesn't joke people. We should be expecting, anticipating, just WAITING on what He is going to do next. If a host of angels were to appear and tell you of a mighty work God has done...how would you react? Would you laugh and roll your eyes or would you jump up and run to tell others?

Which brings me to another point. The disciples We have read over and over how Jesus called the disciples and the 'immediately left their nets and followed him'. We have hashed and re-hashed how we should be like them and follow God as soon as He calls...not on our own time. Why not hash it out again...just for old times sake? :) Seriously. God's timing is perfect. It may not seem perfect in our mind's eye...but we don't see the whole picture. God, thankfully, only allows us to see the present. Minute by minute, hour by hour. Therefore, we don't KNOW what is 'perfect' for us. God does.

He may call you to a job that you may not be super excited about. You may go in every day somewhat grudgingly and dragging your feet. Then one day, it happens. You may realize your purpose in being in that position at this particular time in your life. You may meet someone who needs help, someone may say something that you needed to hear about a problem in your life, you may meet someone who pave the way for you in another career. I don't know what it is that God is calling you to do. But I do know this. You will be much happier if you just follow Him. Things may not...okay, things will probably never be perfect, but let's be honest isn't life better when you are in God's will? He didn't promise ease and comfort...but He did promise to take care of us.