S – But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened.

Luke 24:21 CSB

O –  The Greek for hoping (trusting) and redeem (loosen, ransom, redeem).  Even with all of Jesus’ teaching, his followers were expecting and believing for some action for Israel.  Moses physically took Israel out of Egypt. A strong expectation would be a different relationship with Roman oppression.  Jesus’ crucifixion didn’t meet their expectations.  And three days later, they had no change and a missing body.

A – It is very challenging and difficult when God doesn’t meet your expectations.  How do you express that to a God you cannot “see, touch, or feel.”  You pray but it feels like you are speaking/listening in a vacuum.  You don’t see any tangible difference in things and situations around you.  This is a real part of the Christian journey.  

I have been through this numerous times.  I focus on the fact that God wants relationship.  Similar to all relationships, there are times when the other doesn’t meet our expectations.  I share everything I am feeling with God in prayer, no matter how it feels.  I “let him have it.”  He can handle it…with this caveat.  You need to be committed to listening.  As quiet as it seems when you start, there will come a time when you “hear” God just like when things are “good.”  There is no time frame for this.  It is a relationship, not a formula.

R – Lord, help me to do this.

Starting Hebrews tomorrow!