Friday Fight 199: Our Anticipation

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF199.

When we look at segments of our lives, we have differing anticipations for each. For example, at work, we anticipate completing all our daily agenda and tasks. At home, we have set aside time for various things we need to accomplish; again, we have a confident expectation of necessary tasks. The same holds for the gym or date night. Applying this mindset to our spiritual lives can change some things. What can we all learn about God's goodness and how we might unintentionally limit Him?

Our Anticipation:

One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my pastor, father, and prayer warrior mother is that seeking God is not confined to specific times or places. Just as we make time for the gym, date night, or family vacations, we should also make room for God in each moment. His presence is not limited by our anticipation of certain events or experiences. In these everyday moments, when we're at work, home, or the gym, we can experience God’s constant presence and power.

Let's take this a step further. How often do we wonder if God is with us and if he is hearing our prayers? Have we allowed ourselves to believe that the only time we can hear or feel the presence of the Holy Spirit is during a church service or worship night? We may be waiting for some revival because then it will happen.

If someone were to ask us when we anticipate God moving, what would be our reply? Our first thought might be a mission trip, Sunday morning service, or Bible study. All a great time to anticipate God moving, but what if we could anticipate God's movement in every moment of our lives and not just during these specific events? The problem with this belief is that it indicates God is more present at particular times and places and less likely to move in others. However, this mindset limits what God can do and changes our perspective of His sovereignty. God is in every part of creation, all the time. He is omnipresent. Remembering that God is the only genuine source of comfort and compassion is crucial. He is always present and working. If we are at work and do not anticipate Him moving in our small office, we would likely not seek Him or recognize His movement?

If we look at life's unexpected moments, do we ask, “why me,” or do we run to our Heavenly Father in our brokenness? Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” In this verse Moses is encouraging the Israelites prior to his death. It is a timely reassurance of God’s constant presence and faithfulness allowing us to walk in confidence knowing God is waiting for us to seek and find comfort in His arms. We don't need to wait until Sunday to find God or anticipate Him moving, working, and sustaining us. This week, I pray that we seek Him in every situation, empowering us and strengthening our connection with Him.

Photo Credit: Kelsey Goff

Sherri Gagnon &

Pastor Shannon

River Church