What If I Don't Expect Enough?
What if I don’t expect enough? By LaKisha M. Johnson
Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your lives….
The other day someone asked me to hot an event for them. I was excited about it and said yes. The next couple of days, they came back and asked me what was my honorarium? It took me almost twenty-four (24) hours to come up with a number for them. I struggled with the fact that they are my friends, how I didn’t want to exploit the gospel, how I was unsure. I just kept going on and on with this thing. Finally, I gave them a number, one that was really less than what I really wanted. I settled there because it seemed comfortable for me, and I assumed it was comfortable for them. After I sent them the number, I started feeling a conviction of the Holy Spirit. I could hear the Lord say, “Why did you ask them for less, than what you really wanted?” I immediately became convicted, because I know what I need, and what I have believed God for, and how can I get it, if I am afraid to receive it?
The Lord began to talk to me about being my Shephard. He said, “My son David, understood who I was. He knew that being in me, came with a benefit package and that the promises of God are yes and Amen (2 Corinthians 1:20). He knew that I was God, that couldn’t lie (Numbers 23:19), so if I promise you something I have to deliver you what I said. He knew it wasn’t based on whether he was good or bad, it was based on our relationship. No good thing, will I withhold from you (Psalms 84:11). There are some areas in your life, in which you don’t believe me, why? I thought about it, and I identified it, because I didn’t think I was worthy enough, based on my past mistakes and failures. Because I thought my behaviors good or bad determined what I would receive from God. God quickly corrected me in His word. He said,” Are you not my child?” I felt like a little girl, “Yes sir.” “Have I not taught you, that I am a loving God, not a condemning God?” Me, “Yes sir”. “LaKisha, there is no condemnation in me (Romans 8:1), and I allow the rain to fall on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45), I am not one of your parents growing up, I am not going to punish you and hold that over your head, once you repent, we are over that. You can’t continue to let your past mistakes and failures, limit your expectations for me. As your Shepherd there is a promise, to you and it isn’t conditional. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life, and I need you to expect it daily, this is my promise to you.” Me, “Yes sir, I understand, takes my expectations and limits off of you.”
Prayer: Father, in Isaiah 55: 8-10, you remind me that my thoughts are not your thoughts and your ways, or not my ways. You desire so much more for me, Help me to experience a life of Faith, that is only pleasing to you, I want nothing less than the best from you. In Jesus Name. Amen
LaKisha M. Johnson is mom, author, motivational speaker, minister and teacher. She is the host of Coffee and Conversations on “facebook live” Monday-Friday at 5:00 am central standard time and Sundays at 7:00 am central standard time. She hosts a pajama party for women, “Pillow Talk” several times throughout the year, walking them through God inspired truths, while providing a place of vulnerability and transparency to talk. To find out more information on her log on to lakishamjohnson.com and follow her on social media @justbeinglmj.