The concept of living with expectation is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, emphasizing a life characterized by hope, anticipation, and readiness for the fulfillment of God's promises. This expectation is not merely wishful thinking but is grounded in the assurance of God's faithfulness and the certainty of His Word.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible encourages believers to live with a sense of expectation, particularly regarding the return of Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of God's promises. In Titus 2:13, Paul writes, "as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This verse highlights the anticipation of Christ's return as a central aspect of Christian hope.

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, Paul exhorts believers, "So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober." This call to vigilance underscores the importance of living with an awareness of the imminent return of Christ and the need to be prepared.

Expectation in Daily Life

Living with expectation influences how Christians conduct their daily lives. It calls for a lifestyle that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God, characterized by holiness, righteousness, and love. In 2 Peter 3:11-12, Peter asks, "Since everything will be dissolved in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God."

This expectation also manifests in a life of prayer and watchfulness. Jesus, in Luke 21:36, instructs His followers, "But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all that is about to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man." Prayer becomes a means of aligning oneself with God's purposes and remaining spiritually alert.

Hope and Assurance

The expectation of God's promises provides believers with hope and assurance, even amidst trials and uncertainties. Romans 8:24-25 states, "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently." This passage emphasizes the unseen nature of Christian hope, which requires patience and trust in God's timing.

Hebrews 11:1 further defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance is rooted in the character of God, who is faithful to His promises. The lives of the patriarchs and prophets, as recounted in Hebrews 11, serve as testimonies of living with expectation, trusting in God's promises despite not seeing their fulfillment in their lifetimes.

Eschatological Expectation

The expectation of Christ's return is a significant aspect of eschatological hope. Revelation 22:20 records the words of Jesus, "Yes, I am coming soon," to which John responds, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" This anticipation of the Second Coming motivates believers to live in readiness and to share the Gospel with urgency.

In Matthew 24:44, Jesus warns, "For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect." This call to readiness is a reminder that living with expectation involves a continual preparation for the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan.

Conclusion

Living with expectation is a dynamic and active aspect of the Christian faith, calling believers to a life of hope, readiness, and alignment with God's purposes. It is a forward-looking perspective that shapes how Christians engage with the world, grounded in the assurance of God's promises and the anticipation of their fulfillment.