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

Biblical Foundation

1. Hope in God's Promises: The Bible frequently encourages believers to live with a hopeful expectancy of God's promises. In Romans 8:24-25, Paul writes, "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 underscores the nature of Christian hope as an active, patient waiting for God's promises to manifest.

2. The Return of Christ: One of the central aspects of living with expectancy in the New Testament is the anticipation of Christ's return. In Titus 2:13, believers are encouraged to live "while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This expectancy shapes the moral and spiritual conduct of Christians, urging them to live holy and godly lives.

3. Faith and Expectancy: Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance is a key component of living with expectancy, as faith involves trusting in God's unseen realities and promises. The chapter goes on to list numerous examples of individuals who lived with expectancy, acting on God's promises even when they had not yet seen their fulfillment.

Practical Implications

1. Prayer and Expectancy: Living with expectancy influences how Christians approach prayer. In Mark 11:24, Jesus teaches, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." This verse highlights the importance of praying with faith and expectancy, trusting that God hears and answers prayers according to His will.

2. Daily Living: Expectancy affects daily life by encouraging believers to remain vigilant and prepared for God's work in their lives. In Matthew 24:42, Jesus instructs, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." This call to watchfulness is a reminder to live each day with a sense of purpose and readiness for God's intervention.

3. Endurance and Perseverance: Expectancy also fosters endurance and perseverance in the face of trials. James 5:7-8 advises, "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient for it until it receives the early and late rains. You too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near." This agricultural metaphor illustrates the need for patience and steadfastness as believers await God's timing.

Examples from Scripture

1. Abraham: Abraham is a quintessential example of living with expectancy. Hebrews 11:8-10 recounts how "by faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance. He went out without knowing where he was going." Abraham's life was marked by a forward-looking faith, trusting in God's promises despite not seeing their immediate fulfillment.

2. Simeon and Anna: In Luke 2:25-38, Simeon and Anna exemplify expectancy as they awaited the Messiah's arrival. Simeon, "righteous and devout," was "waiting for the consolation of Israel," and Anna, a prophetess, spoke of Jesus to all who were "looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem." Their lives were characterized by a hopeful anticipation of God's salvation.

3. The Early Church: The early Christians lived with a vibrant expectancy of Christ's return, as seen in Acts 1:11, where the angels tell the disciples, "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." This expectancy fueled their mission and commitment to spreading the Gospel.

Living with expectancy is a dynamic aspect of the Christian life, encouraging believers to trust in God's promises, remain vigilant, and persevere in faith. It is a call to live with a forward-looking hope, grounded in the assurance of God's faithfulness and the anticipation of His future work.