There is an expression that most of us are familiar with. It goes something like this, “Always expect the worst, and you will never be disappointed.”  We are afraid or have the “You are way too big for your britches” mentality. Great things and big dreams are for the select few.  The chosen.  Those born with exceeding talent and connections. The people with money and resources. I’ve worked alongside folks with great passion, and I’ve watched stories about athletes and the ordinary folks surpassing all the odds.

Pretty soon in life we are all faced with this living space of in between. Think of your in betweens –high school, college, marriage, parenting, career, life choices, or the risks you take beyond your personal comfort zone. It’s a place that feels like it sneaks up on you, but it’s been in the making for a while.  It’s a place you can’t rush as you transition, but split second decisions, mostly in your mindset, will take place. A “no” being offered, a “yes”, a terrifying first step, and the leap of faith.

Andy Stanley describes this place so well

What is and what could be is your, personal God-given potential. It’s not if I could only be like so and so, or if I could just make this income, it’s your personal quest with God as your anchor and coach.

While I was away on vacation, standing on the seashore, I thought of Peter and his attempt to walk on water in Matthew, chapter 14: 22-31. He was observant and intentional; he got out of the boat; and he risked a try. As I stared at the water, the gentle morning waves were like the heartbeat of our Savior. The waves roll in-“I am here! Come to me!” The waves roll out, “Follow me, and I will show you great and mighty things!” Back and forth it goes like the chanting of a cheerleader trying to encourage the fans and team.

I put my foot down.

I was not expecting to literally walk on water, but I prayed for my in between–the tension. As the ripples navigated outward from my first step, I realized the impact one can have when they are in the center of God’s will for their lives. Your God work encourages and helps others beyond yourself. The help is not of you but of God using you to spur someone else on in their God story, or in between.

Faith is expecting good things to happen. How can I expect a great marriage if I’m constantly wondering about divorce? How can I begin a new chapter in my life if I’m constantly putting the writing of it on hold due to fear or writer’s block? Step forward in expectation of God’s love and direction for you.

How many of us have such a strong expectation of the best that we are prepared to lower ourselves over the side of the boat and place the ball of our foot onto the uncertainty of water?  Steven Furtick, Sun Stand Still

Where are you right now? Where is your passion for the God-ordained purpose for your life? Elisha, the prophet, gave back the cutting edge of a hard-working, in between servant through presence and a miracle. God’s presence is with you–expect miracles.

I’m staring at a picture my oldest daughter shared with me this morning over Facebook.  It’s of my youngest daughter.  She was about 6 or 7 years old at the time. She had a dream and a determination to learn how to ride a bike. All of us cheered her on and took a try at teaching. She experienced a lot of tears, bumps, and bruises along the way. One day my middle daughter spent the afternoon with her and that in between tension we were all feeling. When she finally took off on her own, the sheer delight on her face said it all!

In your expectation, remember miracles come in all shapes and sizes. We love the parting of the Red Sea miracles, but God more often shows up every day in your ordinary life.  As my friend Jodi shared with me, “He is the ONLY one who can deliver.” Your future belongs to God alone and His work in you. We are encouraged by the saints and servants within our Christian faith, but they can’t deliver like God can.  Don’t hold them in high expectation or make idols out of people by chasing them and constant people pleasing. I’ve chased long enough, and in the end, I was left exhausted and disillusioned.  I’m enjoying my steady pace and God’s proper place–first priority.

Please God.

I will tell you this is hard to do; because, pleasing God sometimes means a huge change in your mindset, habits, and commitments.

One. Step. At. A. Time.

God’s presence is with you.  Expect miracles.

Oceans by Hillsong: