THE LINC COLLECTIVE

The Power of Expectation:

In a world that often settles for the ordinary, there’s a transformative power in cultivating expectation. Not just excitement, but a deep-seated belief that God can and will do the extraordinary. This expectation isn’t about wishful thinking; it’s about creating an environment where faith can flourish and miracles can manifest.

Imagine walking into every situation with the mindset that there’s an open window of opportunity, regardless of how challenging the circumstances may seem. This isn’t about being naively optimistic, but rather about aligning our perspective with the promises of God. As Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Faith is the confidence in what we hope for.” Our faith gains strength when we approach life with eager expectation.

Consider the story in Acts of the disciples waiting in the upper room. They didn’t wait passively or despondently. The scripture describes their waiting as a “cheerful endurance and fortitude.” They were expectant, knowing that God would fulfill His promise. This expectant waiting invited a supernatural move of God, resulting in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

So how does this expectation practically manifest in our lives?

Firstly, expectation builds momentum. When we carry an expectation for God to move, it creates an atmosphere of faith that is contagious. It’s like a leader who inspires progress by expecting it. If we walk into our workplaces, our homes, our churches with the expectation that God will do something amazing, it inspires others to believe as well. It’s not about false hype, but a genuine belief that our God is capable of anything.

Secondly, expectation activates faith. James 1:6 instructs us, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt.” There’s something powerful about praying without doubt, believing wholeheartedly that God will answer. This kind of faith isn’t taught; it’s caught. When we surround ourselves with people who pray with unwavering faith, it challenges and elevates our own faith.

Lastly, expectation fuels vision. When we live with expectation, even the grandest visions become possible. It’s like the difference between asking God for a glimpse of the ocean and receiving a 180-degree sea view. God is able to do “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Our expectations should be in line with this truth – not limiting God to what we think is possible, but opening ourselves to His limitless potential.

But here’s a crucial point: this expectation isn’t about manipulating God or earning His favor. We don’t need to fast or perform spiritual gymnastics to twist God’s arm. He’s already a loving Father who wants to lavish His children with good things. Our expectation is simply about positioning ourselves to receive what He already wants to give.

So how do we cultivate this kind of expectation in our daily lives?

1. Start with God’s Word: Immerse yourself in the promises of Scripture. Let them shape your expectations.
2. Pray with confidence: Approach God boldly, knowing He hears and wants to answer.
3. Surround yourself with faith: Connect with people who have big expectations for God. Their faith will challenge and inspire yours.
4. Look for open windows: In every situation, believe that God has provided an opportunity, even if it’s not immediately visible.
5. Speak expectation: Use your words to declare what you’re expecting God to do, not just what you see in the natural.
6. Step out in faith: Sometimes, expectation requires action. Be willing to move when God prompts you.
7. Celebrate small beginnings: Don’t despise the day of small things. Your mustard seed of faith can grow into something massive.

Imagine how our lives, our churches, our communities could be transformed if we lived with this level of expectation. What if, instead of settling for business as usual, we came to every gathering expecting God to move in power? What if we approached our workplaces expecting God to use us for kingdom impact? What if we entered our homes expecting God to bring healing, restoration, and breakthrough?

This expectation isn’t about putting pressure on ourselves or others. It’s about lifting our eyes to see the God who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. It’s about living with a cheerful, enduring fortitude, knowing that what God has promised, He will bring to pass.

Romans 8:25 encourages us, “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” This patient waiting isn’t passive; it’s filled with anticipation. It’s like a pregnant woman in her final trimester – uncomfortable perhaps, but filled with joy and expectation for what’s to come.

As we cultivate this expectation, we may find ourselves becoming uncomfortable with the status quo. We might feel led to move from the back rows to the front, positioning ourselves to encounter God in a fresh way. We might find ourselves praying more boldly, dreaming more audaciously, and stepping out in faith more frequently.

Let’s be a people marked by supernatural expectation. Let’s create an atmosphere where faith thrives, where miracles are anticipated, and where God’s presence is tangibly felt. Whether in our quiet times, our workplaces, our family gatherings, or our church services, let’s come with hearts wide open, expecting God to move.

For when we expect great things from God, we position ourselves to see great things from God. And in doing so, we become catalysts for His kingdom to break through in every area of our lives and the lives of those around us. So go forth with expectation, and watch as God opens windows of opportunity and pours out blessings beyond your wildest dreams.

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