What do you expect? Are you expecting good things or do you expect everything possible that could go wrong to go wrong? I’m reposting this “classic” 1Glories post that talks a lot about expectations in light of where my mind is today. I hope you enjoy it – but more importantly, I hope it speaks to you, encourages you and helps clear your mind of all the clutter that can pollute it from expecting good things to happen for you.
A couple years back, Jeff Goins sent a message to readers. It came at the best possible time for me. But, before I go into detail about his message, let me tell you about an auto repair experience, which actually goes back a few years before that when I bought a Ford Explorer. That purchase ranks right up there as one of my worst automotive purchases ever. For anyone.
An Auto Repair Rarely Brings “Good Things” Along for the Ride
I took the Explorer in for a tune up because a diagnostic indicated a cylinder misfire. When the shop took the first spark plug wire off, the top half of the spark plug came with it! The bottom half remained in the head of the engine, with no way to get a wrench around it. I’m not mechanic, but even I know that’s a bad thing. Definitely NOT a good thing!
My relatively inexpensive maintenance suddenly looked like it had become a repair that would cost thousands of dollars. The guys at the shop were great, showing me the predicament in great detail and explaining the steps they were attempting. They showed they clearly were not giving up even though the outlook was grim and they probably should have.
One event or moment can spark you and your life in a multitude of different directions – pray (and EXPECT) that those members and events would be in the directions that are guided by God.
In a moment of solitude while the guys were giving it another try, I silently prayed. I told God I felt selfish for praying over a material thing that is really meaningless in the grand scheme. But I also told Him I was acknowledging that an expensive repair would set my family’s finances further back and prolong us from getting into a better position for serving His kingdom (because it would reduce our tithes and prohibit us from supporting other causes that glorify Him). Here it should be noted that my family subscribes to the Biblical money management principles outlined by Crown Financial.
You Should Be Expecting Good Things From God
A short time later, we all agreed I would leave it there and they would keep working through the day, hoping to jar it loose and extract the remnant.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~ Philippians 4:8
Just as I opened the door to leave, the guy who was working on it the most walks into the waiting area with something in his hand. He smiles and says, “Look what I got!”
Needless to say, I was elated and relieved – especially when he told me the threads on the head of the engine still looked good. I was also quick to thank God and express my gratitude to the guys for giving it their all. I made sure they knew I would be emailing their corporate office and had hoped they would – at the very least- get some form of acknowledgement of a job well done.
I spent the rest of the day wondering what I was supposed to do with this good fortune. The day went from hopeful, to very bad to relief and gratitude. I remained somewhat guilt ridden over the fact that I had asked God to fix something so petty. I followed through on my promise to extend my praises and tithed a little more than normal today but I also am cognizant that God didn’t allow the fix to happen with an expectation that I repay Him or do something in return.
Rather, it happened because my heart and priorities were of the right attitude.
And this is where Jeff’s message comes in. Jeff observed that we often go through life more likely to be expecting something bad to happen than we are being thankful for or expecting the good. As I prayed to God in that auto shop, I told God I would accept whatever it was He gave me, because I knew it was in His hands.
On the way home, I thanked god for bringing me to that shop (I had called another one first, but they were closed for the day – so this shop was actually my second choice). I thanked him that the people who worked on my Explorer were dedicated and had the time to troubleshoot more rather than being bogged down with countless oil changes or other repairs.
As Jeff pointed out in his message;
The universe is not out to get you. God is not your enemy. Good things come to those who expect them.
This was a moment that many would chalk up to coincidence or luck. Many would focus on the fact that they bought a crappy vehicle rather than the fact that they were spared of a much more dire scenario. Indeed, the day shifted into one of good fortune, guided by God’s providence.
Now, I pray that I continue with a heart that focuses priorities in a right attitude. One of the ways I’m planning to do so is through prayer and a reminder every time I step behind the wheel of the Explorer (somewhat poetic that was the model of the vehicle in this scenario, eh?).
Find And Reflect on Good Things
Another way is through a challenge Jeff laid out for his readers:
- Pick something in your life and say “thanks” for it. This can be anything, good or bad.
- When anxiety and fear overwhelm you, smile. Try it right now, for a full minute. I dare you. And see if you don’t feel better afterwards.
- Think of one good thing you’d like to happen, and believe it. Trust that it will happen. I’m not talking about kooky hocus pocus, manifestation mumbo jumbo. I’m talking about simple hope and faith. That’s all, nothing too crazy here.
So, here’s a prayer for all of us to be thinking, believing — and then living — with an attitude of gratitude and confidence that good things happen.
Be thinking, believing & living w/ an attitude of gratitude and confidence that good things happen. #TGBAG #Phil4:8 Click To Tweet