Is Your Heart -ing or -ant
English Lesson
Root words and suffixes . . .
Root Word: expect
According to Britannica Dictionary "expect" implies that an individual thinks with great certainty that something will happen https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/expect
Suffix: -ing
Implicates that an action is ongoing with a definitive objective
Suffix: -ant
Indicates being in a position or a state of readiness
Expect: anticipate something
We live in an era of entitlement:
- I deserve this
- You owe me
- I shouldn't have to
It's one thing to see us acting this way with other people, but have you ever thought that we do that with God Himself?!?!?!
- I deserve to have that new job. Why didn't You make it happen?
- You owe me financial security. Why don't You provide what I need?
- I shouldn't have to interact with that person, You know they're difficult. Why don't You keep our paths from crossing?
Now, let's take a look at Mary, the mother of our Savior. An angel comes to her and tells her that she is going to give birth to the long awaited Messiah. We find the story in Luke 1:29 - 38
So the angel greets Mary, calls her "highly favored", and tells her the Lord is with her. Mary's response, diatarassó, Greek for totally flipping out! Once the angel gets her calmed down, he explains what's ahead.
Mary, of course, asks the question "How?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you." He also told her of her older cousin's Elizabeth's pregnancy.
The angel's parting words: For with God nothing will be impossible.
What amazes me the most is Mary's reply: Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.
No, I shouldn't have to; no, You owe me an easy road - just simply let it be according to Your will.
Mary opened her hands toward Heaven anticipating God's goodness for her ~
One of the first Christmases after Danny and I were married, Darren (#4 of 7) had found his present. So, being the ornery person I am, I wrapped the gift and gave it to DJ (#1) rather than Darren. I was actually able to catch the look on his expecting face. Priceless!
About that same timeframe, Amberley (#2), was playing little league softball. In her pink shirt and pink hat, looking adorable, she played with a smile and had zero assumptions of how the games would end - expectant.
So often I think we have the expect -ing heart that with Jesus in our lives all will be well - no suffering, no hurtful words, no pain. Oh, how I'm learning that just like the religious leaders over 2000 years ago who wanted a royal king, not a humble Savior, my misconceptions keep me from opening my heart in an expect -ant posture ready to receive what my Father knows I need in this very moment.
I'm so busy looking for my desired outcome, that I am not in a position ready to receive God's goodness.
Oh, the blessings I miss ~
Emmanuel, may I not be expect -ing and closed fisted wanting what I think is best. Instead, I pray that my heart would be expect -ant, lifting my hands toward Heaven to receive Your best for me right where I am ~
Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word. Luke 1:38 AMP
Worship our Savior with an expectant heart ~
I plan to read this every day; indefinitely, with the hope that the message you give in these words will sink in. Thank you…..???????? ????❣️
God and I have been dealing with these words for quite some time!
On this particular morning I’m holding my grand babies and loving them completely. I am learning how to be expectant of gods will and show complete respect for what he is allowing me to receive back. I truly am grateful for the gifts that he gives and believe in his love to show me the way. Your blog always makes my heart smile. Thank you
You are a dear friend that spurs me on! Enjoy those grandbabies!
Whoa. Good words, friend. I need to sit with this a while.
It’s taken a year to write those words – tough, but good message the Father has been working on in my life!
Such wisdom in those words. ❤️Blessings!!
They came from an All-Knowing God Who knew what my heart needed!