The NFL Draft begins on Thursday and we finally get to experience a sporting event that hasn't been canceled. Seven rounds over three days will air on TV with teams and draftees scattered across the country. Without an in-person crowd, this year will certainly be unique. Being done virtually, there's anticipation as we wonder what it will be like to watch and what might happen throughout. The NFL Draft is always a big deal as teams look to add franchise cornerstones and missing pieces to put them over the top. With an already big build-up to the draft, this year is exceptional because we're all so hungry for sports. The first round should be very intriguing with quarterbacks most likely going early, the possibility of marquee players dropping to later in the draft, and teams trading up to snag a prized prospect. We are eager to see the first surprising player to be taken and who our favorite team will draft, as well as, receive some much-needed sports excitement. In realizing how thrilled we are about the NFL Draft and the high hopes we have for what might happen, I think we should evaluate whether or not we're experiencing an even greater eagerness when it comes to our pursuit and enjoyment of God. Do we pursue Him with eagerness and excitement? How hungry are we to enjoy His presence? Do we expect Him to speak to us and reveal Himself to us when we open His Word, pray, and listen to messages preached by pastors? Do we sit in suspense as we wonder how He might touch our hearts? Are we counting on Him and trusting Him to provide our needs? When we follow Jesus and interact with others, do we anticipate opportunities to share our faith and serve people? Do we represent enthusiasm as we wait to see how He directs and guides our steps? Is our mindset filled with expectancy as we trust His answers to prayer and believe in His provision? Hope and faith are attached to anticipation, and we can find joy and peace as we wait with that mindset. The Bible says in Psalm 5:3 (NLT) to “Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to You and wait expectantly.” Colossians 4:2 (AMP) tells us to “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.” God is actively working in and around us, so let’s open our eyes and hearts to anticipate what He’s trying to reveal and ways He’s trying to use us for His glory. Let's be excited about all He is doing and will do as we confidently place our hope and faith in Him. As we pray with expectancy, knowing He is all-powerful, let's remember what Ephesians 3:20 (AMP) explains: "Now to Him who is able to do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think , according to His power that is at work within us..." I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You fill me with great hope and faith as I expectantly wait for You to show me ways to serve You. I thank you in advance for what You will do in and through me. I confidently trust You to do even more than I can imagine as you provide and guide. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What does it mean to approach God with expectancy?
In what ways are you currently anticipating God to move?
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