Faith and expectation are both required for believers if they are to see the miracles of God fulfilled in their lives.
The Bible’s definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1,
Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].
Hebrews 11:1
Faith is the assurance, certainty, title deed, or confirmation of those things that we hope for (aka. our expectation). Faith without an expectation won’t work and neither expectation without faith.
So, the believer needs to be fully assured of their expectations, founded in the Word of God to see the manifestation of God’s promise in their lives.
What is the law of expectation?
Believer or not, the law of expectation applies to every one of us. It basically says that you’re never going to get more than what you expect out of life. This might sound a little cliche, but it’s true.
If we expect God to do nothing, then that’s what we are going to receive. However, if we base our expectations on what the Bible says and we know that God is a good provider and He will provide for all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19), then that’s what we’re going to receive!
A Bible expectation is based on and inspired by the Word of God. For a miracle to take place, we need to make sure that our expectations are founded on the Word of God. God is true and faithful to His Word (Psalm 138:2), which means it’s something we can stand on with confidence.
What we expect and settle for is what we will receive. So, the key to greater happiness and success is to have higher expectations (based on God’s word) and work towards achieving them.
When we raise our expectations and we combine them with our faith (aka. assurance, certainty, the title deed), then we will see the promises of God being fulfilled in our lives!
The expectations in today’s society
We live in a world where everything needs to be done quickly, as fast as possible. The faster we get the result, the better. We expect everything to be quick and easy with very little or no effort at all.
We have become so impatient to get things done, that the concept of having to wait at all is perceived as a negative thing for most people.
While there are so many good things that modern convenience brings, this mentality can have a negative impact on our faith.
When we pray, it’s easy to assume things need to happen right away. However, we need to learn how to be patient and persevere in faith until our prayer is manifested and not give up if we don’t see immediate results.
Our expectations are a vital part of our lives and affect everything we do. We need to be aware and careful about what we’re expecting, and let our hearts become contaminated with the wrong expectations.
Do not be conformed to this world
Instead of relying on the world and it’s ways, let’s rely on the Word of God and let it teach us and help us to find the right way for every situation.
The Bible tells us:
Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Romans 12:2 MSG
So wait patiently, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits [expectantly] for the precious harvest from the land, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. You too, be patient; strengthen your hearts [keep them energized and firmly committed to God], because the coming of the Lord is near.
James 5:7-8 AMP
Despite the world’s expectations, it is vital that we develop our patience to see miracles in our lives. So, let’s exercise patience, waiting in faith and with expectation for His promises to be fulfilled.
The law of expectation can be applied to everyone. It basically says that you’re never going to get more than what you expect out of life, so if we have higher expectations and work towards them, then it will come true for us. When our expectations are based on the Word of God, they become something reliable that is grounded in truth because God’s Word is always true. The Bible tells us not to conform to this world or its culture but rather fix our attention on Him instead–and He will transform your outlook from within by His love! Despite all the negative thoughts society has about waiting patiently in faith and expectation, James 5:7-8 reminds us to “wait patiently” until Christ returns and see how beautiful everything turns out!
