GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Garrett Bookout


I woke up this morning ready to enjoy another beautiful spring day
when I looked outside and noticed that there was snow all over the
ground. I did not expect there to be snow but sometimes we are faced
with the unexpected. Luckily, the snow on the ground did not affect
me that much. However, sometimes things happen that are unexpected
that turn our worlds upside down. Grave yards are filled with people
who did not expect to get into a car accident on the way to the
store. Lives are shattered for people who did not expect to lose a
loved one to a rare illness. Simply put the unexpected can sometimes
cause great pain. 

The saddest of all examples are those who will face judgment
expecting to be saved only to find out they are not (Matthew 7:21-
23). However, the truth is that no one will face condemnation that
does not deserve it and that we do not have to face judgment with
uncertainty. We can confidently face our judgment assured of our
salvation. The Hebrew writer described our hope as the anchor of our
soul (Hebrews 6:19, 20). Over and over again in Scripture Christians
are assured of their hope. However, contrary to how we generally use
the word hope, the hope described in the Bible is not simply a
desire. Rather, our hope is a desire with expectation. 

Not only do I desire to live with God forever but I can fully expect
that to happen. How can we be so confident? Because we obey the
gospel our Lord has given us. It is this gospel that is God's power
to save us (Romans 1:16, 17). Have you obeyed the gospel? Are you
confident of your salvation? The truth is we can and should be
confident and expect salvation. The world is filled with unexpected
happenings, your salvation should not be.


In Christ, Steve Preston



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