Expectation
Expectation in our faith serves as a powerful motivator, shaping our outlook and resilience in the face of challenges. Regardless of whether our circumstances are favourable or not, the attitude we choose to adopt can fortify that faith, enabling us to remain hopeful and steadfast. By nurturing positivity and trust, we can transform adversities into opportunities for growth, reinforcing our belief that, through perseverance and a hopeful spirit, we can navigate the complexities of life and emerge stronger in our convictions.
Personal Expectation
Personal expectation refers to the beliefs or anticipations an individual holds regarding their own future, goals, or the outcomes of specific situations. It encompasses one’s hopes and aspirations, shaped by past experiences, values, and desires. These expectations can significantly influence motivation, behaviour, and emotional well-being, often serving as a guiding force in decision-making and personal growth. However, they can also lead to disappointment if outcomes don’t align with one’s anticipations, highlighting the importance of managing and adapting expectations realistically.
Unlocking Faith
Hebrews 11.1, New King James Version
By Faith We Understand
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.”
The biblical meaning of faith and hope is not some passive resignation to my circumstances, but a confident expectation that God will do what He says He will do.” Similarly, one’s faith is only as strong as the thing they believe in. For this reason, I previously contended that Hebrews 11:1 summarises the functions of faith rather than merely defining it. Even if they did not fully receive what was promised, it is evident from an analysis of the lives of the Old Testament saints in Hebrews 11 that their trust led them to obedience. An example would be the life and legacy of Abraham.
Hebrews 11.8-10, New King James Version
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
And in the case of His wife Sara:
Hebrews 11.11-12, New King James Version
“By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.”
Therefore, it is no accident that the author of Hebrews shifts his focus from the unmet expectations of the Old Testament saints to Jesus Christ, who carries out all of God’s promises and hopes.
David’s Expectation
Psalm 62:5, New King James Version
“My soul wait thou only upon God; For My expectation is from Him.”
In this particular passage of scripture, The author’s being “silent” does not refer to a literal lack of sound, but rather to serenity and tranquilly. David doesn’t feel the need for anger or panic since he is confident. He merely has faith that the Lord will take action. Being a man who frequently fought in battle, David frequently had to put his faith in God to save him from an adversary, and God always fulfilled his wish.The Holy Spirit instilled a comparable hope in the hearts of New Testament believers. As Paul states in Romans 5:2, “We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:2, New King James Version
“Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
By grace through faith, we are considered righteous in God’s eyes as fellow-heirs with Christ and God’s redeemed. We celebrate with the disciples and apostles the certain promise of the hope of God’s glory, when our bodies will all be transformed into His magnificent, glorified body in the blink of an eye.
God Knows what is Best for You
How we rejoice in this glorious hope that has been revealed to us in the infallible written Word of Almighty God, sealed by the everlasting Holy Spirit, signed in blood by His Beloved Son, and the living Word of God. Our Heavenly Father, respects our faith despite our own weakness and uncertainty. Instead of being irritated by our nervousness, he sends us his Spirit to allay our concerns and doubts. Through trust, the Lord also bestows upon us the gift of expectancy.Being thrilled about something before it materialises is what it means to be anticipating. It’s the boldness to think that a bad circumstance will lead to something positive. Even though the situation may cause you to lose faith entirely, it is the belief that God knows what is best for you. We are grateful to God for our mediator, Jesus Christ, who remains unfazed when we require a gentle reminder about faith and expectations.
The Daughter of Jarius
The story of Jairus, a synagogue ruler, is told in Mark 5:21–43. Jesus Christ gave him a gentle prod in the area of faith and expectation. Even the most pious person’s faith would be put to the test in Jairus’s circumstances. Jesus was his only hope when his daughter was dying. Jesus answered, “Don’t be afraid, just believe,” amid the hopelessness and incredulity of those around Jairus. Faith and expectation clashed in that instant. Jairus’s daughter recovered, and his expectations and faith were not disgraced. Remind yourself that there is no punishment for believing in God when you are faced with an impossible circumstance.
Amen!
Pastor Scott Sheridan