Ah, we have just celebrated Resurrection Sunday! I hope you were able to celebrate and rejoice in our risen Savior! 

Recently, God has opened some doors for me. I have been praying that in this season God would open doors, but then when He did I felt surprised! I have prayed about the opportunities and consulted with some of my prayer partners. Early this morning, in my regular Bible reading, the words, “The Spirit told me to have no hesitation” (Acts 11:12) jumped off the page at me. I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking and confirming His call. Here’s what I’ve noticed: We often pray about things and ask God to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or think. But when God presents us with glorious opportunities, we’re tempted to think, “Really?! This is too good to be true!” 

I think that’s the way Thomas felt when He heard that Jesus had been resurrected from the dead. Jesus had told the disciples He would be raised, but when Thomas heard, He said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). In other words, “It’s too good to be true!” 

I believe in this season of the church’s life, God is calling His people to greater expectancy! We are to pray and then hope without hesitation! Scripture promises that God hears and answers and even that He is more than able to do the impossible. The Psalmist wrote, “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3). 

We are not to give up too easily when we pray and we are to wait, not skeptically, but expectantly! 

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that our hope is anchored in the surety and the sovereignty of a risen Savior (Hebrews 6:19)! Friend, your hope is sure and strong, so don’t let your hope waiver! Don’t be hesitant in your hope, instead, embrace bold confidence. 

How Do We Embrace Bold, Confident Hope?

Don’t hold back your prayers. Ask God to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond all you can ask or think. Ask God confidently for what you need and then lean in with trust, expecting that God will do what’s best. Continue asking until God tells you to stop. Many prayers are not answered because we give up too easily. 

Don’t limit God with your theology. As Steve and I have traveled around the world, we have seen God do the miraculous. Don’t put God in a box because God is beyond any box you could possibly build to try to contain Him. Lay your skepticism aside. God will always be more and do more than you think is possible! Live with the expectant awareness, that the risen King is still moving!

Don’t hold back when God invites you to do something beyond your skillset. Friend, the truth is, God will invite you to do more than what you’re capable of so that He can make up for your weaknesses. Be willing to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Set your heart on obedience even when the thing God is calling you to do doesn’t make human sense. Remember, what He calls you to do, He empowers and equips you to do. He delights in using inadequate vessels.

Friend, let go of your hesitancy and embrace bold hope. These are exciting days to be alive and God is not finished with you yet. He is inviting you to be a part of what He is doing. So, step forward without hesitancy and embrace confident hope. Watch and be amazed! He’ll do more than all you could ask or think!

There is a big sale going on at Moody in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month!