For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. Philippians 1:20

I sat in the sunlight waiting for my windshield to defrost thinking about my word for 2017 – Expect.

This life is a race.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24

We are challenged to keep going and keep stepping when the map ahead is not always clear.

Lord, help me to look straight ahead and stay focused on you.

I don’t need to look to the left or the right and see what others are doing or how they are doing it.  I don’t need to look behind me because the past is the past.

When I look back I stall. When I look to my left or right and start comparing myself to others I feel completely inadequate and if I’m really honest I start to doubt.  I lose faith. I give up.

Lord, help me to EXPECT you in all situations.

Just like I expected the ice to melt on my windshield this morning in the sunlight, I EXPECT you to clear the path and show me the way.

I EXPECT you to have my front, back and side to side.  May your Holy Spirit speak to my  heart and reveal to me what I need to do as I move forward.

I EXPECT you to help me know when to pause to rest and rejuvenate.

I EXPECT you to give me the strength and courage to keep my eye on the prize and not on  any distractions.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  1 Corinthians 9:24

Lord, I EXPECT you to be with me and to be my source of strength, energy, focus and determination.

You will never leave me nor forsake me.  You will guide and protect me.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

Lord, more than anything I EXPECT you.

I anticipate you in the day to day, in all things.

I expect you in all situations and circumstances, good or bad. You will be with me.

My eye is on the prize, and my faith is completely in YOU.  Help me to prepare and be ready.

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:44

I expect chains to be broken.

I expect lives to be healed.

I expect YOU, Lord.

[ Focused on the Goal ] I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. Philippians 3:14