The Collins dictionary defines expectation as “the act or state of expecting or the state of being expected”; “something looked forward to, whether feared or hoped for”; “an attitude of expectancy or hope; anticipation”.
Taking the last word in the definition above, I ask you what are you anticipating will happen today? Tomorrow? Good or bad? Answered prayers now or postponed answer to prayers? It is all down to your expectations!
I read the story of Jairus and I would like to use this biblical story to illustrate the power of expectation and faith in relation to prayer or a desire:
“Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” So, Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.” (Mark 5:21-24)
“While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it and said that something should be given her to eat.” (vv35-43)
- Jairus had a request as His daughter was sick to the point of death. He came to Jesus like we would today, and his request was specific: “Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live”.
His request was with solid expectation – she will live! His expectation is tied to the fact that if he asks Jesus to lay hands on her, she will be healed. How is your request in prayer?
- The bible records that Jesus went with him. No debate; no argument; no conditions. This guy is probably a Pharisee (a ruler of the synagogue or at least, he is a member of the Sanhedrin) and they are no Jesus’ favourites, but Jesus answered his request.
Jesus also today wants to answer your requests without a debate, argument, or conditions. He is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). In the physical body, Jesus was limited as to where He could be at any time but today, Jesus has no such limitations. How should this affect your expectations?
Jesus also wants to answer your requests without debates, argument, or conditions. Will you allow Him? If so, pray with expectation.
- The bible records that “a great multitude followed him” initially but Jesus permitted no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John.
In your journey to building your expectations and your walk of faith, not everyone can go with you! You cannot entertain unbelief and doubt in your life; You cannot entertain unbelief and doubt of others in your life.
Jesus only took those who believed in Him. The multitude might say Jairus was unrealistic to expect that of Jesus; The mourners at the house of Jairus were already living in the land of impossibility. Who is going on the journey with you?
- A messenger came from the house of Jairus to inform him that his daughter was dead. Don’t trouble the Teacher any further! Jairus faith was not attached to Jesus as a Teacher but as a Miracle-Worker. But the assignment of this messenger is to kill Jairus’ faith.
What voices are you allowing in your life to kill your faith?
Do you pray with genuine expectation of an answer or as a religious exercise?
- Jairus’ expectation was met. His daughter lived. Jesus answered his requests or prayers, and He wants to answer yours as well today!
Beloved, your answer lies with your expectation and faith. If you believe that God is (according to Hebrews 11:6), then He will be for you.
