When the Messiah Doesn’t “Messiah” You: Raising Your Expectations for the New Year

As we land the year and plan the next, many Christian entrepreneurs feel the tension between bold faith and delayed outcomes. You’ve prayed, fasted, shown up with integrity…and it still hasn’t happened on your timeline. What do you do when the Messiah doesn’t seem to “Messiah” you?

The Tension Is Real (and Biblical)

John the Baptist lived with radical devotion: Nazarite lifestyle, wilderness training, laser focus on his calling. He announced Jesus, witnessed the Spirit descend at the baptism, and launched Jesus’ public ministry… then landed in prison while Jesus’ miracles accelerated elsewhere. That didn’t fit John’s expectation of what Messiah would do; especially “opening prison doors.”

From prison John asked, “Are You the One, or should we look for another?” Jesus’ answer pointed to fulfilled Scripture and visible evidence - and offered a heart test: “Blessed is the one who is not offended because of Me.” In other words, don’t let unmet expectations redefine who you believe Jesus is.

Jesus then publicly affirmed John: “among those born of women none is greater” even though John’s story took a hard turn. If our faith rests on comfort or timelines, we’ll stumble; God is building His Kingdom, not our convenience. Your present situation does not define His character. He is good. Period.

Why Lowered Expectations Are Costly

If you carry this year’s disappointments into next year, you’ll shrink what you believe, focus on, and even attempt, becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Heaven’s invitation is to raise your expectations in God, not in a specific outcome or deadline.

Three Practices to Trade Offense for Anticipation

1. Lay down the “how” and “when.”
Bring your outcomes and timelines to Jesus. Notice He didn’t scold John; He comforted and reframed him (and Elijah before him). Pray, “Father, I let go of my expectation of how and when this should happen. I lay disappointment at the foot of the cross. I serve at the pleasure of the King.”

2. Anchor in tested truth, not fluctuating feelings.
Lock back into Scripture and God’s character. Rehearse testimonies and practice thankfulness - this is biblical and corroborated by neuroscience: ruminating on pain replays it; remembering God’s goodness forms a different future focus.

3. Stop timeline comparison; celebrate movement.
Comparison fuels offense. Bless others’ pace and thank God for every sign of progress—especially the small ones. Keep your eyes on His unique path with you.

The Deepest Test of Discipleship

Gene Edwards calls it “the deepest test of discipleship: following a God who doesn’t behave the way we thought He would.” Think Lazarus - Jesus delayed when healing seemed obvious, yet the delay revealed a greater resurrection. If He’s delaying, He’s preparing something bigger than we imagined. Nothing is impossible.

And here’s the hope: He’s already “Messiah’d” you—saved, delivered, and sealed you into an eternal relationship with a limitless God. Let that identity reframe today’s circumstances and tomorrow’s plans.

Weekly Activation for Kingdom Business Leaders

Use this simple rhythm with your team or journal:

Surrender: List the top three outcomes you’re gripping. Pray through each and release the “how” and “when” to Jesus.

Scripture + Story: Open the Word (start with Matthew 11; John 11). Then write three recent testimonies of God’s goodness at work. Thank Him out loud.

Celebrate Movement: Capture small evidences of progress this week (a new intro email, a surprise discount, a creative idea). Share wins.

Anticipate: Ask, “Father, what are You doing in my business this week and how do I join You?” Write what you sense and act on one step today.

Keep Going: Resources for You

Heaven in Business Growth Path: Partner with God → Build Better Business → Multiply Kingdom Impact → https://heaveninbusiness.com/growth-path

Weekly Insights (free): Practical, faith-at-work coaching in your inbox → https://www.heaveninbusiness.com/newsletters/weekly-insights/subscribe

Listen to the Podcast Here

Discussion

What expectation are you raising with God this year? Share with the community - your testimony sparks someone else’s courage.