Have you ever wondered what you expect from Jesus? Take a moment to think about this.
The following is a possible conversation with Jesus to navigate what we may expect from Jesus as Savior, Friend, and Comforter:
"Jesus, I'm wondering what I expect of You. I know I am imperfect, so I expect You to fill my gaps, to give me the strength I need (Philippians 4:13).
I expect You to guide me and know what I need before I know what I need. You've already shown me this on various occasions, but the greatest example is: You died for me on the cross before I knew I was a sinner in need of saving. Before I was even a thought in my parents' minds, you died for me. I didn't know the one solution that would change the course of history, but You did. I know that I can trust You because You have never failed. You're perfect and pure.
I can expect You to show justice and mercy. I still don't fully understand how You deliver both, but I look to the cross where You demonstrated Your love by taking our punishment.
I expect that You can be my best friend. And I expect that I can rely on You, receive encouragement and find at least one reason to smile each day.
I expect that you know when to provide rainy days exactly when we need refreshment, to stay inside, or find a little romance in everyday life.
I expect that you know when to bring out the sun. You provide the sunshine for events, vacations, riding my bike to work, and allowing me to spend time in Your creation.
It seems like all of this is unusual to expect from a best friend. However, You are not just a best friend and You are not usual!
You died for the us. And You rose from the dead. You pray for me more than I pray for myself and my loved ones. You know my deepest pains, joys and dreams.
You surpass my expectations.
You wake me up each day. You bless my finances. You allow me to go to college. You point me to You each day and show me how to love others as You love me. You make me better every day.
You surpassed Your disciples' expectations.
You provided countless fish. You walked on water. You turned water into wine. You comforted and protected. You brought people back to life. You guided, taught, and called them by name. You loved them.
And You love me.
This is why I choose to follow Your example.
I want to bring sunshine to others' days when all they see is rain. I want to give life to someone when they feel dead. Help me guide others to their dreams. Help me comfort those with deep pain and celebrate joys and dreams.
With a future spouse, I will definitely do these things, so continue preparing us for that relationship by teaching us about our expectations for You, ourselves, and others.
I know I can't always surpass expectations like You can, but I ask that You help me to do my best in everything to glorify You. And remind me to show myself grace.
Show me how to be smart with what You've blessed me with so that I can give generously and intentionally. With my college education, I plan to teach students and give them an education to prepare them for their futures. It's my goal to point them and my loved ones to You each day.
Like iron sharpens iron, we'll make each other better with Your help (Proverbs 27:17).
Even though I don't fully understand everything You do, thank You for surpassing my expectations."
How would Jesus respond?
