Expectation vs Realization

"Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you."
Matthew 11:21-24

A troubling truth found in the word of God is uncovered by this section of scripture. John the Baptist comes out of the wilderness and proclaims that Jesus is the Son of God. As a powerful witness, Jesus ministers and delivers those in bondage and sickness. However, his own people denied Him and remained in darkness and blindness.

During this Roman rule, Israel had a growing expectation that the Messiah would come soon to deliver them from their oppressors. Despite the religious leader’s expectation and faith, they failed to see God in the flesh.

I was listening to a sermon by Corey Russell and was convicted that my expectations overstep my realizations. I continue to expect God to move mightily and bring His glory. I continue to expect a massive prayer movement to emerge that is accompanied with signs and wonders. I expect a holy generation who will confront the immorality and brutality of our nation. However, I fail to realize that this is happening!

God is breaking into our culture through prayer and worship. The prayer movement is gaining fire and authenticity. My generation is setting itself apart and revolutionizing the world. Voices like Corey Russell, Lou Engle, Wes Hall, Allen Hood, Misty Edwards, Mike Bickle, The Bethel Church, John Piper, Jesus Culture, and many others are shaking the earth and moving heaven closer.

I have always claimed that Corey Russell is my favorite preacher. I am convicted by his sermons and his radical lifestyle, but he is more than a good preacher. He is a voice proceeding from the throne of God. He is proclaiming a message of power and a word that is a critical need for this hour. He is not just a man with good words; he is a man with a warning and conviction that my generation MUST heed!

My prayers ARE being answered. God is manifesting His glory. We haven’t seen it all, but we are seeing a sacred portion. I need to have expectations for more, but I can’t ignore those realizations. This was the fault of many during Jesus’ time. They hoped and expected a Savior, but they didn’t want to live in the reality: perhaps because it was too glorious to grasp. We expect and pray for God to move, but we are rarely prepared when He does move.

Don’t let your expectations fail to produce realizations.