WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO YOURSELF?

"Indeed I said to myself, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord His God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.'

2 Kings 5:11

Have you ever felt insulted by someone who was simply trying to help you, but you felt like the person could've dealt with you how you had it plotted in your head? I know that has happened to me one time too many. This guy was sick with leprosy and someone suggested that he go to see a prophet. He went to see this prophet and the prophet never came out to speak to him, this guy was a commander, he was chief of police, he was known in his circle. He had already thought of how God heals, how God speaks and what God will do, he said "Surely he will come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord. Who told him that was the way it would happen? I remember going to church and there was an altar call for something specific like a headache for some reason I did not clearly understand the call I did not go up but I was healed of a headache that had persisted for several days. God does not have a step-by-step on how He will work or when, but the atmosphere was right for miracles. In my mind, I thought well the pastor didn't even touch me because of course, that is the only way I could be healed. There was another time when I was having stomach issues this had already become my norm after childbirth 15-16 years prior, it was something I felt every so often. I never even thought of asking God for healing, it wasn't that bad but it was bad enough to last year. I went up when there was a call for someone with stomach issues. First of all the Holy Spirit had to tell me to go up I didn't think I had stomach issues. After prayer I was healed, it felt like there was rubbing and that was it I did not have any more issues with my stomach other than when it is time to eat. I never imagined that was how I would receive healing. The commander had wise people around, who were able to lead him in the right direction. "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean." Clear straight forward instructions and he was upset. The prophet not only did not come out to speak with a 'celebrity, this guy felt like Jordan was not the best, he was offended, filled with pride and was about to disobey instructions. Now that I am learning more about following instructions and seeing it through I can see where in this case I would've made a few mistakes and yes God would've been the blame. Who else would I blame if I do not follow the instructions exactly as given (sarcasm)? I may have gone to whatever body of water I preferred, I don't know if I would've even remembered to wash seven times. What about you? I can see now how specific instructions get some amazing results. This guy had leprosy for years and just through faith and obedience he was healed, could you imagine how surprised he was? He had an expectation that was not wrong but was not a rule nor was it scriptural. He probably would've gone back home without his healing had his staff not spoken to him.

"Wrong expectations lead to disappointment." - Pastor Emmanuel

Secondly, in 2 Kings 4:8-37 the Shunammite woman was discerning she convinced her husband to set up a room for a man of God to have a place to stay. After the man of God saw how she was concerned about him he asked her "What can I do for you?" When God is speaking directly to you are you ready with your answer? How specific is it? I am learning to get it down to the location and numbers now, I am ready and waiting for when God asks me that question. I read recently that there was a lady that was waiting on marriage and all she would say is 'I want a husband' she went to speak to her pastor and he probed her with more questions. How does he look? Where will he work? What kind of personality would he have? When she was able to envision her husband she was then able to receive. You have to know what it is you asking for so when it comes you recognize it and not turn it away or even when God has given you a vision you need to meditate on it. Ponder on what God has said, shown or you may just know. This lady knew what she wanted but had yet to say to this prophet, maybe she didn't think it could happen for her, circumstances may have looked like it could not happen or maybe she just did not have faith. The prophet asked "What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?" She answered, "I am fine, I straight, I'm good, all is well." I need for nothing but Elisha asked Gehazi his assistant "What can we do for her?" She did not have a son and her husband was old, Elisha told her that by next spring she would be holding her son, she was shocked. She did have a son and years later he died after having a headache. What is she supposed to do now? This is why she didn't want to get herself excited about something to then have to lose it. For many years I lived on that belief, it was a scheme and lie of the enemy. To say you believe and not believe, to say you have hope and not have hope. The Shunammite woman put her son on the prophet's bed and went looking for him. This lady's son died, she did not tell her husband and went looking for the prophet. What was her expectation? What did she say to herself? "Sir, I never asked for a son. I told you, 'Don't trick me!" There was pain and disappointment. Somehow she felt like she should not have expected to have a son. Is there something you want but would not say because of all the possibilities, suppose it does not work, or you may feel embarrassed. She had faith in God and the man of God, she knew her son could be healed but the disappointment was creeping in. Even Elisha did not know this would happen but went with her as she asked. He went into the room and prayed. This boy was dead, your dept looks like something that cannot be revived, your children are not living right and like the Shunammite woman have faith, seek counsel and do not speak to any and everyone. Is it possible if she saw someone on the way home she could've told them her son was dead? She would've spoken what she saw instead of speaking in faith. I am every day now praying for mercy, not to continue this horrible practice. Speaking to the wrong people at the wrong time about things that should remain in incubation. Speaking to other people could cause a dream to be aborted, for a vision to be terminated and cancelled. The person on the Shunammite's way home could speak negatively, cause her to feel more hopeless, cause her to start blaming God. When Elizabeth and Mary were pregnant they spent months in incubation, away from others. Away from the doubting Thomas', the Debbie-downers, the pessimists and cynics. When God does something it usually looks crazy to non-believers and sometimes even to believers and ourselves. He does these crazy miracles that we can only say, "it was God". Talk about crazy miracles Mary was a virgin engaged and was pregnant through immaculate conception living in a time when she could've been an outcast, humiliated and scorned not only by the town but also by Joseph. Think about it two people never had sex but the woman is pregnant. She had to go somewhere during her pregnancy away from people. Mary got that word and went quickly to the town where Elizabeth lived. She must've expected that everything would be great, she was having the child of God, a King, the Savior. Wrong expectation leads to disappointment". She went to Elizabeth who knew she was pregnant, blessed and her baby was blessed. There is someone assigned to help you on your journey. All around us are destiny helpers, kingdom helpers recognize them. They are people who will help you remain filled with the Holy Spirit like Elizabeth that was filled with the Holy Spirit when Mary arrived. Could you imagine someone being that excited when they see you? What was Mary's belief? "I am the Lord's servant. Let this thing you have said happen to me!"-Luke 1:38 NKJV She was willing, she surrendered, obeyed, paid attention and discerned instructions. Mary quickly went to Elizabeth, she did not stop to speak to anyone she wanted to keep that word fresh in her mind. She wanted to speak to someone who was also discerning, who would know just what to say, Elizabeth was able to boost Mary's faith. Mary was in incubation with the greatest miracle, it was her waiting season, it was time for her to connect more with God. "He did not forget His promise to give us mercy. He has done what He promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever." Luke 1:54-55 God has not forgotten His promise to you, it may be your waiting season or maybe there was a time there was information spoken to the wrong person and a dream or vision was terminated. It may be time to go back to God to get new instructions, to get more clarity and more grace to continue the journey but He will never leave us or forsake us, the Lord is our shepherd we will have what we NEED! Don't get deceived on how it will be done, or who He will use but continue having faith in WHAT He has promised.

#expectation #believeinHispromise #havefaith #dontlietoyourself #believeinGodsword