Definition and Overview:
Expectancy of God's work refers to the anticipation and hope that believers hold regarding the active involvement and intervention of God in the world and in their personal lives. This expectancy is rooted in faith and the promises of Scripture, where God is depicted as sovereign, faithful, and intimately involved in the affairs of humanity.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible is replete with examples and teachings that encourage believers to live with an expectancy of God's work. This expectancy is not a passive waiting but an active faith that trusts in God's timing and purposes.

1. Promises of God:
The Scriptures are filled with promises that God will act on behalf of His people. In Isaiah 40:31, it is written, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." This verse highlights the strength and renewal that come from expectantly waiting on God.

2. God's Faithfulness:
The faithfulness of God is a cornerstone of expectancy. Lamentations 3:22-23 states, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" Believers can expect God to be faithful to His character and His promises.

3. Prayer and Expectancy:
Prayer is a vital expression of expectancy. Jesus taught His disciples to pray with faith, as seen in Mark 11:24: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." This encourages believers to pray with the expectation that God hears and responds.

4. Examples of Expectancy:
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who lived with expectancy. Abraham, known as the father of faith, expected God to fulfill His promise of a son despite his old age (Genesis 15:5-6). Similarly, the early church lived with expectancy for the return of Christ and the spread of the Gospel (Acts 1:11).

5. The Role of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in fostering expectancy. Romans 8:26-27 explains, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words." The Spirit empowers believers to live with hope and anticipation of God's work.

Theological Implications:
Expectancy of God's work is deeply theological, reflecting beliefs about God's nature, His sovereignty, and His relationship with creation. It underscores the belief that God is not distant or detached but is actively working to bring about His purposes.

1. Sovereignty of God:
Expectancy is rooted in the belief in God's sovereignty. Ephesians 1:11 affirms, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." This assures believers that God is in control and His plans will come to fruition.

2. Hope and Assurance:
Expectancy provides hope and assurance in the midst of life's uncertainties. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This faith fuels the believer's expectancy of God's work.

3. Eschatological Expectancy:
The ultimate expectancy for Christians is the return of Christ and the establishment of God's kingdom. Titus 2:13 speaks of "waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." This eschatological hope shapes the believer's present life and priorities.

Practical Application:
Living with expectancy of God's work involves a dynamic faith that influences daily life. Believers are encouraged to:

· Engage in Prayer: Cultivate a prayer life that reflects trust in God's promises and openness to His will.
· Study Scripture: Regularly engage with the Bible to understand God's character and His promises.
· Live in Hope: Maintain a hopeful outlook, trusting that God is at work even when circumstances are challenging.
· Participate in Community: Encourage and be encouraged by fellow believers who share the same expectancy of God's work.

Expectancy of God's work is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, encouraging believers to live with hope, trust, and active engagement in God's unfolding plan.