As read in our earlier post, expectations are things we wish and desire to have though not very certain to us but our faith and hope keeps the expectations high. As Christians we are called to live in expectation:
First because we live by faith not by sight. By faith we hope to achieve certain things promised to us by our creator God.
Secondly we live in expectations because we don’t doubt His promises to us. From old Bible times, the prophets lived with expectation to see the messiah that was promised and revealed to them, though they did not.( Psalms;24-29) On the day of Ascension Jesus told His disciples to expect the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (Luke 24;49). Because they did expect, they did receive this great gift. Expectations should be part of a Christian because great promises are made and can only be fulfilled to those who believe. Because we believe without receiving yet, it means we’re expecting.
It is normal to hear slogans in the circular world like “to live a happy life, you should expect nothing from anybody”.
It’s important to know where you place your hopes and expectations. Not on man, because man is frail but on God because He is faithful in keeping His promises to both the living and the dead.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO LIVE TO EXPECTATION?
⁃ living in expectation gives you a positive mindset. You look at everything from a positive stand point. (Proverbs 23:18)
⁃ Living in expectation is evident of our faith in God, how much we trust in His word and how much confidence we have in His promises. (Psalm 25:3)
⁃ As believers in the one who has control over all things, we should expect the best, because He saves the best for all who wait on him( Isaiah 40:31)
⁃ Because He is able to do more exceeding things than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20) we should expect to always dominate (greater expectations).
⁃ It’s is also important to live expectantly because it reminds us of what is expected of us. If we expect good to be done to us then we should try to do the good that is equally expected of us.
⁃ We expect that Christ will come again to judge the world. This expectation keeps us in full consciousness of how we live, knowing that all things will be laid bare before judgment seat someday. (Revelations 22:7; 16:15; 21:6-8).
With all that said, I will like us to ask ourselves some questions;
1 What are some of your expectations?
2 In whom do you place your hopes and expectations?
My expectation is that my grown children will be totally surrendered to God. My friend says, I cannot expect that because my children are adults and are making their own choices. I am aware of that..but I believe in the promises of God in the Bible for my kids. My children know Jesus Christ died for their sins and they believe that..but they don’t live like they have to answer to God….they are not surrendered. But I know God can/does work in ways that I cannot see. I live by faith in Him, not by what I see. My expectation, my hope, my trust is in God and how He reassures me for my kids totally surrender to Him. I must live with expectation.
First THANK YOU for sharing. I am looking for a message to share with my Senior Ministry group and you have “nailed” it. I can not find the words to express how much you gift has Blessed me. Stay safe.
Peace Linda Carmichael.