Expect God’s Best

The Faith Factor, part 3 of 4
When a person has a complete understanding of what faith is, (week one), and what faith does, (week 2), they put themselves in prime position to live out a life filled with confidence in God’s work in them. This confidence leads to a life that begins to expect the best from God. While God’s best isn’t always understood as our best initially, God’s best always comes when we live in confidence and optimism everyday knowing that He will open up doors for us live a life that pleases Him, fulfills us, and helps others. We’ll look at some of the key principles of “living and expect God’s best life”.

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How to live with real optimism

I) Remember what God’s already done.

1) He’s provided cleansing from past sin.
(Romans 8:1-2, NIV)

2) He’s provided confidence for present situations.
(Philippians 1:6, NIV)

3) He’s provided courage for future struggles.
(Romans 8:37, NIV)

II) Respond to what God promises to do

1) Begin each day by _deciding to be joyful in it_.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
(Philippians 4:4, NIV)

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
(Psalm 118:24, NIV)

“In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing.”
(Philippians 2:14, LB)

2) Place every challenge in ___the sure hands of God’s___.

“We were really crushed and overwhelmed…. and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us…And he did…and we expect him to do it again and again.”
(2 Corinthians 1:8-10, LB)

3) Develop incurable __confidence in God’s ultimate plan_.

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted…”
(Philippians 1:20, NIV)

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ…”
(2 Corinthians 2:14, NIV)

4) Think with a ___positive attitude of faith in Christ___.

“I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”
(Philippians 4:13) (see also Matthew 9:29, 19:26)

5) Spend time with __solid role models who build you up_.

“I long to see you… that you and I may be mutually encouraged by your faith.”
(Romans 1:12, NIV)

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
(1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)