Big Expectations

by Bethany Lashbrook

Recently, my children had a lot of adult situations poured onto them. Not by choice, but just because life happened. As we prepared for the days, my husband and I had a talk with them. They were to behave, to be quiet, to be respectful, to remember their manners, and to listen to what we told them and do exactly as we said without question.

Big conversation. Big expectations. Big girls.

Turns out, I have never been more proud of my girls. They behaved and not only that, they became beautiful young ladies in the process. They could have chose to not listen, to not behave, to blow off their mom and dad but they chose to do the opposite.

I wasn’t surprised that they behaved, because they behave a lot, but I was somewhat surprised that there were no questions as to why they were to behave. There were no questions as to why they couldn’t talk. There were no questions as to why they didn’t get a say in the matter.

Big conversation. Big girls listening. Big girls understanding of who was in charge.

As for myself, I don’t know if I can say the same. Many times the Lord speaks to me and says “no questions, Bethany”. But, I don’t seem to listen. I instantly say these words:

“But, I’m not the right woman for the job.”

“But, somebody else might do this much better than myself.”

“Are you sure I am to do this?”

“Father, I’ve failed at this before. I don’t want to fail again.”

Just like my girls, I must learn to listen to those times that it means something bigger than the Lord just telling me something. Sometimes, it brings on growth. Sometimes our conversation can make me more mature in my faith, in my increasing trust in Him. Sometimes, I just need to listen, to not talk back, to act in faith, to believe and to trust in his word. And then afterwards, realize:

Big conversation. Big expectations. Big growth.

Father, thank you for continuing to believe in me and asking me to do things, even though I have turned you down many times. Thank you for your constant forgiveness in my life and knowing that sometimes I AM the right person for the job. In your name I pray, Amen.

Application: Have you ever heard "don't ask the Lord for patience"? Well, sometimes I ask the Lord for something, but act disappointed when he gives it to me. Like growth. I ask him to grow me, yet when he gives me a task, I turn Him down. This week, let's ask for something, but then have the faith that we can finish the task!

Power Verse: 1 Chronicles 16:8, “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” (NIV)