Expecting
Recently Dolly Parton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was also awarded the Courage and Civility award from Jeff Bezos (which comes with a grant of $100 million dollars to spend on philanthropic projects!). These awards are meant to commend her for her musical contributions, talents and gifts and for her charitable contributions to society. The list of her contributions is quite lengthy and inspiring.
The author of Hebrews gifted us with another lengthy and inspiring list in Hebrews 11. If you have not read that passage lately (or ever), take a moment now and go read it in its entirety in several translations. It’s a moving historical review of God's faithfulness demonstrated through His people who lived with expectant faith. This passage is helpful because it gives us a picture of what it means to live in a way that demonstrates we are confidently expecting God to fulfill His promises.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see. For by it the people of old received God’s commendation…. These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth. For those who speak in such a way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. In fact, if they had been thinking of the land that they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
Hebrews 11:1, 13-16 NET
Reading through chapter 11 of Hebrews, we can make a practical list of some examples of what it means to have expectant faith:
Faith is sure that the object of its hope is true and trustworthy.
Faith acts in obedience without having the full picture.
Faith is convinced despite the unknowns.
Faith believes the invisible God created all that we see. Faith believes in the unseen.
Faith sacrifices the best for God without holding back, trusting in God’s provision rather than grasping for what it wants to keep for itself. This faith shows others that it believes God can be trusted.
Faith believes God exists and approaches God with confidence that God wants it to be near and wants to respond with his favor.
Faith obeys even when it doesn’t know what hangs in the balance of obedience and doesn’t fully understand the impact of the instruction.
Faith obeys even in the face of ridicule and even when it seems impossible.
Faith follows.
Faith leaves what is comfortable when called.
Faith lives as a stranger.
Faith focuses on its true home in heaven.
Faith believes God is trustworthy and keeps His promises.
Faith is certain that nothing is impossible with God.
Faith trusts that it doesn’t know everything, but that God does.
Faith sees the future eternal promises as a sure thing, even when current circumstances are uncertain.
Faith has eternity with God as it’s one true goal and focus.
Faith trusts that God can make a way, even if it can’t see a way.
Faith believes God can accomplish the impossible.
Faith trusts God with the future.
Faith chooses God’s way.
Faith knows God will keep his promises.
Faith keeps its eyes on the kingdom of God, refusing to let privilege, comfort or wealth distract it.
Faith anticipates the payoff.
Faith follows where God leads, indifferent to the opinions of others.
Faith obeys without needing an explanation.
Faith is brave.
Faith doesn’t let the past limit the future.
Faith trusts in the power of God, not man.
Faith doesn’t let circumstances sway it.
Faith endures suffering.
Faith is not afraid of death.
Expectant faith actively lives in a way that demonstrates hope in eternity with Jesus. As we approach Christmas, whether this season is full of joy or sorrow, or a mix of both, let’s be reminded of our hope in Jesus, and be expectant of receiving the goodness of God, both in this life and in eternity.