I finally got to see Avengers: Infinity War the day it came out. Nothing could ever prepare me for what I was about to watch. Being a long-time marvel fan, I decided to re-watch all the movies before watching the new one thinking that I would be well and truly prepared. How wrong I was!
I am not one for spoilers, especially when it is the MCU, so I am not going to continue on with any details about this movie. However, sitting in that theatre, once the end credits scene had finished, through my tears I thought ‘I love how God uses even the things we love (movies) to teach us something—nothing ever goes to waste.’
I walked into that cinema expectant, excited, extremely nervous and anxious, but absolutely thrilled. When I walked out of the cinema, I realised the film exceeded my expectations by far.
Reality is nothing like a movie, or the hype of a movie, but God always places things in our life to teach us something. No matter how prepared we think we are for the future, God always has a better plan for us, and I love that. Imagine if we knew our own future? Life would be predictable and pretty boring.
Expectant heart
We have to live with an expectant heart, even if we are anxious about the unknown. Romans chapter 12 verse 12 (MSG) says ‘Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.’
When I walk into situations that scare me, or that I have no control over, I must build my strength in God, and sometimes that requires getting down on my knees and praying for strength in my situation.
In my church we are told to come expectant for a move of God. I never really thought heavily about this before, however, when I started to come to church thinking expectantly I started to see changes in my life.
He strengthens me
My problems weren’t being solved necessarily, but I knew I could face them and overcome them. I could feel God’s presence in every situation I faced, and his strength strengthened me. 2 Samuel chapter 22 verse 33 says ‘It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.’
No situation is ever too big or too small for God, and that is one of the many things I love about him. When I expectantly go about my daily life believing that God will move, he will move. God will always show himself one way or another.
He moves
Even as I am about to do a presentation at Uni, or make a decision I am anxious about, or even if I am just believing for something—relationships, a job, a house, God moves in everything, even if it seems like he isn’t. Although the trees may be swaying, but you cannot hear the wind, it does not mean it is not there changing what it breathes on.
Sometimes the things I am believing for aren’t what God wants for my life. But although in my human nature I go straight to the feeling of discouragement, I know my life is in Gods hand, and unless I am believing and expectant for a move of God, nothing in my life will change because I am unwilling to change.
Leviticus chapter 26 verses 3-4, 9 says ‘If you live according to my rules, keep my commands, and do them, I will give you rain at the proper time, the land will produce its yield, and the trees of the field will produce their fruit. I will turn my face to you, will make you fruitful and numerous, and will keep my covenant with you.’
Trust
Being expectant means to expect what God has for our lives. It also means to be willing to change and shift yourself and your life for his plan, to open your heart up and trust him with your life, and to be excited knowing that ‘in all things God works for the good of those who love him’ (Romans chapter 8, verse 28).
The expectation comes from trust, trust comes from knowing, knowing comes from loving, and loving comes from God. They all work hand in hand, and I get excited every day awaiting the unravelling of his plan for my life. That’s the exciting part–just like walking into a new marvel movie, I am expectant, yes a little nervous, but I know it will be incredible, you just have to have a little faith.
Cartia Moore is a connoisseur of fine chocolate and a sword fighter, trained and skilled in the art of fencing. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Screen & Media Studies, and minoring in Drama and Creative Writing. Her focus is film, television and swordfighting sequences.
Cartia Moore is a sword fighter, trained and skilled in the art of fencing. She has recently graduated from her Bachelor of Arts degree and has completed an Honours in Screen & Media Studies. She is now going on to do a Master of Teaching (Secondary), focusing in the teaching areas of English and Film studies. She is passionate and driven to inspire and encourage others to seek and find their worth and value in Him.
Cartia Moore’s previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/cartia-moore.html