Raising Your Expectations with God

Raising Your Expectations with God reminds us to believe for more—to act in faith, prepare for increase, and trust His abundant provision.

“The wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha … ‘Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.’ […] ‘Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few.’”—2 Kings 4:1–3

The woman was the wife of a prophet. After his death, when creditors were about to take her sons, she cried out in desperation for the prophet Elisha to help her.

The prophet knew that the widow needed to prepare herself to be blessed. It was time to believe God was able to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).

Elisha told her to find as many empty jars as she could. Then she was to pour the little olive oil she had into these jars. As she kept pouring, something amazing happened: “Soon every container was full to the brim!” (v. 6 NLT)

It was a miracle! Suddenly, she had more than enough. She finally realized God could bless her abundantly, but to receive this abundance, she had to change her expectations and act in faith.

How easy it can be to complain and expect nothing from God. But He wants us to change our expectations and believe in His unlimited power. To show our confidence in Him, He wants us to exercise our faith.

Don’t let doubt fill your heart or limit what God can do in your life. He wants to bless you mightily and give you more than enough. To receive His blessings, you must step out in faith and prepare for your harvest.

Expect God to bless you, answer your prayers, and meet your needs—abundantly!

Reflection Question: What step of faith could stretch your expectations today?