I’m a recovering pessimist. Normally, I would tell you that I prefer to have low expectations, so that I can be pleasantly surprised – regardless of what situation I find myself in. I would say low expectations are safer than high expectations because low expectations somehow take the edge off of disappointment. The problem with that, however, is that by thinking that way, I’m confessing that my default expectation is to be let down. 

The bigger problem: I can’t afford to think that way right now. 

I don’t know what you’re going through, what season of life you find yourself in right now, what battles you’re facing, but I’d venture to say you can’t afford it either. 

Some say we’re in a season of waiting, and maybe there are those of us who are. I’d say I’m in a season of surrender and trust. I’d say I’ve been given an opportunity to need and rely on God. 

I know there is power in persistent prayer. I know that trusting God makes all the difference. I also know that I’ve been commanded to be strong and courageous, to not be frightened or dismayed (Joshua 1:9). So, I’m having to be more diligent than ever in picking up my cross because, guys, for once, I’m getting my hopes up. 

I’m getting my hopes up because He is hope everlasting and my dreams are safe in His highly capable hands.

Here’s how I’m going to do that:

I’m going to be tenacious about recognizing that I serve an all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful God. I will continually take every anxious and fearful thought captive to the knowledge that He is in control and I am not. I’m going to learn to take God at His word, which means I’m going to have to be determined to get into His Word every day. I’m going to have to turn my attention to the giver of all good things and fix my gaze there. I’m going to have to remind myself that uncertainty is not bigger than God. As Brittany Cunningham says, I’m going to have to operate in the discipline of hope instead of the ease of cynicism.

Dear Heavenly Father, 

I pray for the power to rely on Your perfect strength to overcome today and always. I pray to live with a hopeful expectation that You are faithful. When obstacles and discouragements rise in my life, help me to trust in Your plan and Your ability to deliver me. Help me to not long for rescue in anything or anyone other than you. I know I can do all things through You, who strengthens me. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen

God cares so much more about the process than just the outcome. We can do this. 

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23