When we are faced with a situation, in general, there is usually a favorable or unfavorable outcome. Too many unfavorable outcomes can tilt our expectation to the negative rather than the positive. However, for Christians we should be in “expectation mode.” That is, with our faith in God, His word and His power we should expect a great outcome.
Why?
Because we are not relying on our own abilities or knowledge but in God and our Lord Jesus Christ who paid the price for our sin, including unbelief, and was raised from the dead. Jesus became the propitiation (appeasing agent) for our sins through his love and obedience to please the Father. 1 John 4:8-10 states “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
So how are we to walk in our relationship with God and Jesus as believers? By faith in what Jesus accomplished for us and all men. Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Notice what happens when there is no faith employed … nothing. People cannot please God without faith. Also note that he rewards people that diligently (make the effort) to seek him.
Look at Paul writing to the Romans in Chapter 1:16-17: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein (in the gospel) is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
Let me give you something to read for yourself regarding people who went looking for Jesus and the results they received. Look at Matthew 9 and read how a man with palsy, a ruler’s daughter, a woman with an issue of blood, two blind men and a dumb man experienced the power of God that worked through Jesus. Each of them made the effort to get to Jesus and expected something from him … and they got what they needed!
Perhaps the most important thing you can personally do in your relationship with God and the Lord Jesus Christ is to read the Bible for yourself. Read the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John to see how Jesus walked, lived and ministered to people. Then read Acts to find out that the disciples and other believers did the same things as Jesus did. That is what is awaiting you!
Ask God for understanding the word … make it personal! He has a plan for your life but you have to want to know it. He will not force himself upon you but He is always ready to work in your life but you just have to believe it. That is where faith comes into play. Faith mixed with the gospel will bring forth salvation for your life. Salvation is more than just the “born again” experience. It is what you need when you need it.
Let me close with John 10:10 that Jesus spoke to his followers and to the Pharisees for your consideration: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they have it more abundantly.”
Blessings!
JR