Encouragement seems to be working from coast to coast, as farmers glean a little bit here and a little bit there to survive these challenging days. I have heard from a few folks who have said they were down and out, opened up the paper and read just exactly what they needed that day to get them through. Others are gleaning their nuggets of hope online as they read blog posts of encouragement.

Knowing this kind of thing may help someone keep from putting a gun to their head, or will get them one step closer to getting over the mountain.

The world is full of abundance and opportunity, but far too many people come to the fountain of life with a sieve instead of a tank car, a teaspoon instead of a steam shovel. They expect little and as a result, they get little.

-Ben Sweetland, author of I Will

Does this quote describe your attitude in life? Do you expect too little? Do you  need to raise your expectations just a tad?
This reminds me of my treadmill and van. I have relayed the treadmill story before, about how I love to walk, but I hate walking in the snow and the mud, so I told my daughter I was going to start praying for a free treadmill. She looked at me in disbelief and said I shouldn’t pray for a free treadmill, but a cheap one.

I looked right back at her and told her God owns it all and He delights in answering prayer and giving us what we need and even what we want, so surely He can provide a free treadmill for me if I ask. She shook her head and walked away.

Eight months later I drove my van to where my free treadmill awaited. Not only did I load up a new treadmill, but I was also given a new color TV and various and sundry things to boot!

Seeing how God answered that prayer, my daughter wasn’t nearly as shocked when I told her a year later I was now going to pray for a free van. Within three months I was driving my free van – yes that’s what I said, a free, running, all the bells and whistles, Chrysler Town & Country minivan.

 Yes, there were people who thought I was crazy for praying for these things, accusing me of treating God like some sort of Santa Claus in the sky. But honestly, when things get tough and we have no place else to go we quite often drop to our knees and begin praying like we have nothing to lose.

So I ask, why not go to Him first? Why do we wait until we are in desperate need? Why not ask God first for what we need and then wait with great expectations?

As you continue to face obstacles, no matter where you are, why not ask God for what you need? Be specific and shoot for the moon. You can’t dream big enough for God – He has a bigger, better dream than you could ever imagine.

Give fear of disappointment the boot and raise your expectations without hindrance of worry. You’ll be surprised at the outcome.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may write to Melissa Hart in care of this publication.