Hopeful Expectation

Hopeful Expectation

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV®)

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

I hear people sometimes say, “I never expect anything, so I’m never disappointed.” That may feel like a safe way to go through life, but it also means you’ll never have any reason to celebrate or be grateful to God. Expectations and hope are good if they’re placed in God’s faithfulness. Even Jesus had expectations of His Father. Hebrews 12:2 says He endured a torturous death on the cross and disregarded the shame of it because He had expectations of the joy awaiting Him and His place of honor beside His Father’s throne. Hopeful expectation is an important part of every person’s life, and it is a desperate feeling to be without it. For Christians, it is the essence of the faith we have in God—confidence in His ability to save us, in His plans and purposes for us, and our eternity with Him. After all, faith is not confidence in what we are experiencing in the present, but confidence in what He has promised to do in the future.

THINK ABOUT IT

If you find your faith weakening and despair gaining a foothold in your heart, remember all God has done for you and all He has promised to do. That will give you hope and confidence for the future!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, every good and perfect gift comes from You. I rejoice in Your great mercy and kindness. Thank You for Your provision for my life—no good thing is withheld from those who love You. I turn my heart to You in thanksgiving and expectation, trusting You for complete freedom. My hope is in You! In Jesus’ name, amen.