Expectation in the Bible has several meanings. And this is what we’re going to talk about in this post. We’ll also tackle the Bible verses that may help you better understand the power of expectation.
Faith and Hope
In its essence, expectation is the confident belief that something will happen or that someone will act according to what has been promised. From a biblical perspective, it’s deeply tied to faith and hope.
It involves anticipating the fulfillment of God’s promises, trusting in His character, and relying on His perfect timing. Expectation isn’t just wishful thinking. Rather, it’s a firm assurance based on the unchanging nature of God.
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Expectation in the bible is intricately tied to faith. In this verse, it defines faith as the “substance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
This profound verse reveals the connection between faith and expectation. True faith involves confident expectation in God’s promises.
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The Greek word pisis is translated as faith. It encompasses trust, belief, and reliance on the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith transforms mere anticipation into earnest expectation, firmly rooted in the knowledge of God’s power and faithfulness.
Throughout the Bible, expectation is depicted as a solid foundation for the Christian life. The spirit of the Lord reveals how expectations flow from God’s divine plan.
Whether waiting for the fulfillment of a divine promise or trusting the intentions of the heart, we’re called to have a confident expectation in God’s Word.
It reminds us that “hope that’s seen is no hope at all… but if we hope for what do not yet see, we wait for it with patience.”
This verse highlights the great anticipation that defines biblical expectations.
Just as the husband waits patiently for the harvest, believers are called to eagerly await the fulfillment of God’s promises with unwavering trust.
3.) Proverbs 10:28
The hope of the righteous brings joy, while the fearful expectation of judgment awaits the wicked man.
For the children of God, this hope isn’t fleeting but a living hope.
4.) 1 Peter 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
This living hope is eternal, grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the assurance of eternal life.
God’s Promises Inspire Expectation
5.) Jeremiah 29:11
At the heart of biblical expectation lies the unfailing faithfulness of God. The verse declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This verse underscores how God’s promises instill hope and strengthen expectation in His children.
The Bible reveals countless examples of expectations rooted in the assurance of God’s faithfulness.
6.) Acts 3:1-10
The lame man at the temple gate expected healing, and through Peter and John’s faith in Jesus’ name, he received a miracle.
Similarly, the inhabitants of this coastland eagerly anticipated deliverance. They trusted in the hand of the Lord.
In both the Old and New Testaments, expectation is tied to God’s plan and great things yet to come.
7.) Colossians 1:27
The apostle of Jesus Christ spoke of the blessed hope and riches of the glory of this mystery. This emphasizes the beauty of trusting God’s timing.
This expectation transforms doubt into a confident expectation that glorifies God and aligns with the grace of God.
The biblical expectation isn’t passive but active. It’s fueled by the Holy Spirit and sustained through the anchor of the soul. It calls us to stand firm in our faith.
Expectation in Action
8.) Genesis 15:5
“Look up at the sky and count the stars – if indeed you can count them… So shall your offspring be.”
Abraham is often referred to as the father of faith. He exemplifies unwavering expectation in God’s promises. In the said verse, God assures him that he and his wife will have kids.
The promise came at a time when Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were childless. They were beyond the age of having children.
Abraham’s expectation wasn’t based on circumstances but on the certainty of God’s Word.
9.) Romans 4:18
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed.”
Despite the impossibility from a human perspective, Abraham trusted that the God of hope would fulfill His promise. This expectation was anchored in faith, and it was ultimately rewarded when Isaac, the child of promise, was born.
This story reminds us that expectations rooted in God’s promises can lead to great things. And yes, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
10) Samuel 1:17-20
“Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him.”
Hannah’s story in this verse highlights the power of fervent expectation in prayer. She longed for a child so she poured out her heart before the Lord in the temple.
She vowed to dedicate her son to God’s service if her prayer was answered. Eli, the priest, assured her.
11.) Psalm 62:5
“My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.”
David’s life is a testament to the power of expectation during trials. He declares in this verse his confidence in God’s deliverance.
His expectation was grounded in his relationship with God.
12.) Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
This verse highlights the sustaining power of expectation when anchored in God. Perseverance is fueled by a confident expectation that God will act in His perfect timing.
13.) Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Expectation rooted in trust allows us to surrender our anxieties. This replaces fear with peace.
14.) Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
This verse ties expectation to the joy and peace that come from trusting in God. Joy is a natural by-product of expectation because it stems from the assurance that God is working for our good.
The following verses also reflect themes of God’s provision, deliverance, and the ultimate hope of eternal life.
15.) Proverbs 23: 19
“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
This verse reassures us that our expectations of God aren’t in vain. His plans for us are secure, offering hope for the future.
16.) Lamentations 3:25
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him.”
This scripture highlights the goodness of God. It encourages us to wait with expectation for His blessings.
17.) Isaiah 30:18
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!”
This verse emphasizes God’s desire to bless His people, rewarding those who wait expectantly for His grace and justice.
Here are New Testament Verses on Expectation
18.) Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
These verses encourage us to expect answers to our prayers. It reflects God’s faithfulness in responding to those who seek Him.
19.) 1 Corinthians 2:9
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love Him”
This verse speaks of the unimaginable blessings that await us. It only tells us that expectation is rooted in God’s provision and creativity.
20.) 2 Peter 3:13
“But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
This scripture captures the ultimate expectation of eternal life and the fulfillment of God’s plan for His creation.
21.) Titus 2:13
“While we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
This highlights the anticipation of eternal glory. The ultimate hope for us lies in the promise of eternal life and the return of Christ.
These verses reflect the breadth and depth of expectation in the bible. They all offer hope, encouragement, and assurance to those who trust in God’s promises.
They also remind us that expectation is an act of faith, a response to God’s faithfulness. It’s also a declaration of hope in His eternal plan.
Jane is a Roman Catholic on a journey of re-learning about God and deepening her understanding of the Bible. She has over a decade of experience as a copywriter. Her goal is to blend her passion for writing with her spiritual journey. She writes content that doesn’t just uplift but also connects with people who wish to seek a deeper understanding of God’s word. Follow Jane on LinkedIn or Instagram.
This is a great piece on expectation. I believe that if our expectations are not guided by scriptures, we might be asking for more than the scriptures can offer; and when are expectations are not met, we make God a liar.
I am requesting permission to copy the above article for a class. I am teaching at church. Thank you.
Hey Donna, thanks for asking and feel free to use. Please link back to the url of the article if you share it online. Much appreciated
This is a great piece on expectation. I believe that if our expectations are not guided by scriptures, we might be asking for more than the scriptures can offer; and when are expectations are not met, we make God a liar.
Thanks so much for commenting. Would love to hear what others think as well.
This is every informatative.
well done
Thanks Peggy for your encouragement!