Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
Often, when we face particular situations in our life, we pray with one goal, that of seeing God answer our prayers according to our expectations. We don't want Him to do anything other than what we asked Him. At this point, our faith is no longer in Him, but in what we want Him to do for us.
Is it a biblical teaching to have faith in our expectations rather than in God himself?
I would say no. The reason why many Christians cling to this aspect of their faith is because they believe in the first part of the verse, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for." They totally neglect the second part: "The evidence of things not seen". The NOT SEEN is what God will do as He wills, without your approval. There is what you hope to get from God through prayer and there is what God decides to be good for you. This is where faith draws its strength, the conviction that God will hear my prayer by granting it according to His will.
It may be hard to accept but I love this verse which tells us: "Everything works together for the good of those who love God." Which means that when you pray, you must believe and have faith that God will act on your behalf without responding exactly as you wish. Whatever God does will always be for your own good. If He answers your prayers exactly as you asked him to, it is undoubtedly because He himself, through the Holy Spirit, inspired you to pray in this way to show you his glory in your life.
May the grace of God be upon you.
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