Not long ago I found myself thinking that as a Christian I should be more expectant. Expectant particularly of the supernatural, the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life and in those around me, with miraculous signs and wonders in our services and meetings. And then in a more analytical moment I realised that I already go through life with daily expectations – which may just as easily be pessimistic as optimistic. I am by nature an optimist but I still carry negative thoughts within me, attitudes that lie in past hurts or unfulfilled ambitions – and that cause unbelief within me.
At the beginning of Charles Dickens’ novel “Great Expectations”, the main character, Pip, has an optimism to be applauded. He has ambitions to be wealthy, to succeed in socially advancing himself and to marry the beautiful Estella. But instead the story tells of his moral struggles and ends in disillusionment and unrequited love.
Can we, as Christians have “Great Expectations” that are fulfilled and meaningful and bring blessings? Yes! Our faith is rooted in the hope-filled anticipation that God’s promises are, and will ever be, fulfilled. His promises transform the view of how our daily lives can and should be, and give us a positive view of a restored future that will be eternally spent in our heavenly Father’s presence.
Hope-filled anticipation! I prefer to live out my life like that rather than with any Pip-like great expectation! Hope and anticipation – two words that are worth exploring.
Christian hope is such a positive thing. It’s not just a wishy washy “It would be nice if….”. It involves a positive expectation to which is added an unwavering confidence, a trust in the eternally truthful reality of our Father’s promises. “All His promises are Yes and Amen!”That’s what we sing!
Anticipation for the Christian goes beyond a passive waiting for something to happen. It includes a present joy, a here and now celebration of the certainty of Christ’s return, the fulfilment of divine prophecies and the ultimate restoration of the whole of God’s Creation.
Living in hope-filled anticipation should mean living more intentionally; anticipating that God will come into our lives and with an increasing awareness of the things He’s doing with us and for us. It is a step towards living out our lives in joyful fulfilment of our Father’s purposes.
At the end of Dickens’ sad story, Pip finishes unfulfilled, empty and sad. By God’s grace that will not be me. So I have resolved not to ooze expectancy, that’s too airy fairy! Instead I aim to live in hope-filled anticipation, for the events of today, tomorrow and into eternity. And with joyful celebration of today’s blessings as well as the blessings which tomorrow and eternity will bring.
Am I on my own in this? No way, but His Way! I see my life as a continuing journey. A journey along the Way of Jesus Christ, His Way illuminated by scripture. Here are some verses to finish with, to be an encouragement and perhaps a challenge, as we travel along the Way in hope-filled anticipation.
- Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV): “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
- Romans 8:25 (NLT): “But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.”
- 2 Timothy 4:8 (NLT): “And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.’
- 2 Peter 3:13 (ESV): “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
Bring it on!
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All references are from the NKJV unless specified otherwise.
John Partis
bearing-kingdom-fruit.com
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