Shifting Perspective
Expectancy (noun): the state of thinking or hoping that something, especially something pleasant, will happen or be the case.
Synonyms: anticipation, expectation, eagerness, hope, hopefulness, excitement, suspense.
I struggle with expectancy, at least in a positive sense. Though, based on its definition, expecting negative to happen isn’t truly expectancy. Instead, it’s disbelief, distrust, and doubt.
The way the past year and a half have gone, my perspective has been shaped more toward the antonyms of expectancy. In an attempt to justify my perspective, I call it being realistic.
Recently, the Holy Spirit led me to realize that my realism is actually a lack of faith in God’s word. It’s a focus on the world around me and on my own ability (or inability) to control or change circumstances.
Security in the Unseen
While my realism may often be accurate in the eyes of the world, it’s not living a faith-based life. Instead of living in the hope of the Gospel, I’ve accepted the story my eyes and feelings tell me. I’ve fallen under the spell of sight rather than focused on the security found in the unseen.
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
In other words, though what we see may warrant living in disbelief, distrust, and doubt, we can trust in the inner renewal (2 Corinthians 4:16) and the future reality (2 Corinthians 4:14) we have because of Jesus.
So, as I choose to refocus and to live with expectancy based on God’s promises, I look forward with anticipation instead of setting my vision on the struggle and defeat that seem to surround me.
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; do you not see it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Instead of expecting the worst or even simply not expecting progress, I’m choosing to be grateful for what God has done knowing he’s got even bigger plans in store for those he claims as his own. In that, I’m expecting God to move in amazing ways in the coming year. Help me see it, Lord!
