OPENING SCRIPTURE

“As surely as God lives, the God of Israel before whom I stand in obedient service, the next years are going to see a total drought—not a drop of dew or rain unless I say otherwise.” (1 Kings 17:1 MSG)

• This drought lasted 4 years.
• 4 years later- Elijah addressed King Ahab.

Elijah said to Ahab, “Up on your feet! Eat and drink—celebrate! Rain is on the way; I HEAR IT COMING.” (1 Kings 18:41 MSG)

• I hear the sound of abundant rain.
• Elijah heard the sound of expectation.

Expectation (Webster’s definition): A strong belief that something will happen.
• This belief comes from a person’s thought process when examining evidence, facts.
• Unfortunately, our expectations are not always correct because of our flawed logic, biases, etc. We are human after all.
• Many of us don’t want to set any expectations at all because we don’t want to be disappointed.

Expectation (Biblical understanding): It is belief not based on your logic or intellect but based on the what God thinks and says- His uncompromising word.
• From a biblical perspective EXPECTATION is based on one thing HOPE.
• The word Hope means a confident expectation.
• Not based on your emotions, traditions, etc. It is based on the on the Word of God.

Expectation is the breeding ground for miracles

#1 PRAY

Ahab did it: got up and ate and drank. Meanwhile, Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, BOWED DEEPLY IN PRAYER, his face between his knees. (1 Kings 18:42 MSG)

• That’s the posture of expectation.
• Prayer sets the tone for expectation. I will not move until I receive an answer.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NKJ)

• Pray without ceasing speaks to a level of persistence.

Then he said to his young servant, “On your feet now! Look toward the sea.” He went, looked, and reported back, “I don’t see a thing.” “KEEP LOOKING,” said Elijah, “SEVEN TIMES IF NECESSARY.” (1 Kings 18:41-43 MSG)

• Keep looking- seven times if necessary. Don’t quit!

#2 MOVE

• Move with anticipation and expectation. Move by faith.

For we WALK BY FAITH, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJ)

• Don’t base your movement on what you see or feel. Base your movement based on what God says.

And SURE ENOUGH, the seventh time he said, “Oh yes, a cloud! But very small, no bigger than someone’s hand, rising out of the sea.” (1 Kings 18:44 MSG)

• His answer might not be what you be what you want to hear.
Things happened fast. The sky grew black with wind-driven clouds, and then a huge cloudburst of rain… And GOD STRENGTHENED ELIJAH MIGHTILY. Pulling up his robe and tying it around his waist, Elijah ran in front of Ahab’s chariot until they reached Jezreel. (1 Kings 18:45-46 MSG)

• As you move, God will you the strength that you need.

#3 DON’T LOOK BACK

• In order to hear the sound of expectation, you cannot look back.

“REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE” (Luke 17:32)

• God was delivering Lot, his wife and his entire family from Sodom, but Lot’s wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt.

Looking back freezes you in the past and stops you from seeing God’s best.

“Forget the former things; DO NOT DWELL ON THE PAST. See, I am doing a new thing! (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)

• Don’t look back. Look up! Look unto Jesus!

LOOK UP AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS, because your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:28 NKJ)

LOOKING UNTO JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)

CONCLUSION
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?