Expand Your Expectations
Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. — Psalms 2:8
Most assuredly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these will he do; because I am going to my Father. — John 14:12
Author
Dr. Roberto Miranda
Summary: An expectant heart and a receptive mind make room for God to work in astonishing ways. We should therefore cultivate bold, persistent trust in him, ask him for great things, and dare to act in faith. This is not about trusting in the power of our minds or in our own ability to succeed, but about humbly acknowledging our limitations and resting in the power of God at work in us. In his hands, even our limited talents can serve to accomplish the unexpected. We can step out of the boat, trusting that the faithful Lord will sustain us.
The ideal ground for God to move miraculously is an expectant heart, a receptive mental space, a porous mind that places no obstacles in the way of God and his astonishing works.
God is moved by the person who asks him for bold things, the man or woman who leaps into the abyss with nothing but faith and trust that God is faithful and does not put to shame those who trust in him. That is why you must actively and persistently cultivate that positive mindset grounded in God.
This is not mere “positive thinking” of the kind found in so much motivational literature on the market today. That is, rather, a humanistic outlook that exalts the power of the mind, the individual’s ability to make a way and succeed in life through confidence in oneself and one’s innate abilities.
What I mean, rather, is a humble spiritual outlook that places its trust in the living God. It is a healthy awareness of our personal limitations, strengthened by the assurance that God’s power dwells and moves within us. And that is what makes the difference! It is the attitude that says, “On my own, I cannot do much, but with God moving in and through me, he can accomplish truly astonishing things.” It is the conviction that led the apostle Paul to declare, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
In God’s hands, my limited talents and my flawed humanity become powerful instruments for accomplishing utterly unexpected things.
All that is required is for us to ask God, “If you are willing, let me walk on the water.” And then, full of faith, to step out of the boat, trusting that our faithful Lord will not let us sink if we have placed our trust in him.