Anticipation

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Anticipation.

This word has been on my heart lately.

On a recent Sunday in our kid’s Sunday School program, we were visited by two raven puppets who told us the story of Elijah & Elisha. The children’s reactions throughout the story were priceless. Many of us have never seen a group so captivated.

During the second part of the story, the puppets reappeared now and then, poking their heads out with a postcard to update us on the journey of Elijah. The first time it happened, the children were startled and immediately intrigued!

Two of our youngest members in particular, a brother and sister, caught my eye. When the first raven poked its head through the puppet set, it startled all of us. The little girl became so scared, she buried her head in her leader’s arm. Meanwhile, her brother squealed with delight, and throughout the rest of the story he was so excited he could barely contain himself –rocking back & forth, nearly screaming with the pure anticipation.

There’s that word again: anticipation.

Watching this young boy wait for the next raven appearance was sweet. He captured the beauty of this word.

And it made me realize how often I respond more like the little girl when new or unexpected circumstances arise or when things don’t go as planned. I have often found myself clinging to what is out of fear of what’s to come.

So what about Anticipation? The thing I love about this word is that it isn’t just waiting around, it’s waiting with hope. And what is our hope? It’s written above—that ultimately God works for the good of those who love him.

Friends, we know that ultimately Christ has won the victory over sin. Sometimes we are called to wait for God’s plan to be revealed. And the waiting can be hard. Other times He is moving us forward in a clear way and that change can be scary.

In either case, we know that we can handle it. Why? Because God is working for our good. And that is something worth anticipating.

Father, guide us in your grace to know your truth as we move forward.

Amy O