Expectation flows out of belief almost spontaneously. We believe God’s word as truth and our anticipation explodes.
Young children are filled with anticipation around Christmas. At some point, children learn that Christmas is coming and they believe it as truth. Then the excitement and questions begin. The unknown, expectation, and hope fill their time, thoughts and words.
God tells us what to believe and expect in the Bible. Here are a few favorites:
- He tells us His truth (John 17:17).
- His truth always applies because He cannot lie. (Hebrews 6:17-19)
- He is faithful. (2 Timothy 2:13)
- He is always the same. (Numbers 23:19)
- God’s word accomplishes His purpose. (Isaiah 55:11)
Every circumstance in life has a response in scripture. Ask God to reveal Bible verses that reinforce belief, hope and expectation that God is bigger than the current circumstances.
In scripture, David demonstrates expecting God’s faithfulness.
Psalm 27:13-14
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.
David:
- Believed he would see the goodness of the Lord while living.
- Waited for the Lord’s perfect timing.
- Remained strong and courageous in the Lord.
- Refused to change course but continued to believe God’s ways are best.
Believing, waiting, remaining, and refusing to give up or change course, are all part of expecting.
Romans 8:24-25
For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
This is faith—“hoping for what we do not see, with perseverance, waiting eagerly”.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
All humans respond to life with faith. The question is, in whom do we place our faith—ourselves, others or God?
We will only find satisfaction as we place our faith in God. He knows us better than we know ourselves (1 John 3:20). His kindness brings us to Him (Rom. 2:4) and His words accomplish all He intends (Is. 55:11). God invites us to faith in Him (1 Tim. 2:3-6).