Expectation is a word that brings hope into fruition. When you think of the definition of hope as the natural man does, it is not the same as the hope whose source is the Holy Spirit. If one hopes to get to the train on time, but leaves too late and has one too many red lights, the probability is high that they’ll miss the train. However, one who hopes in God’s Word and expects His promises to come to pass has an assurance that God will bring it to pass no matter what the circumstances are as long as we continue to believe. The natural “hope” leaves room for disappointment and relies on the ability of someone, or oneself, and outside circumstances. But the hope that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit that brings faith and a steadfast belief, relies on God’s love and ability to fulfill His promises. That is the hope that God gives us through the power of the Holy Spirit. It keeps you happy and full of peace in spite of circumstances as you trust and believe in Him. This hope will spill over into faith. By faith Abraham, though he was 100 years old, believed God’s promise for a child and received it. This old man was not deterred by the condition and age of his body nor that of his 90 year old wife! He fully expected God to supersede natural law because He has the power to do supernatural things and because He had promised Abraham a child. Romans 4:20 “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything He promised. v 19 – Abraham’s faith did not weaken even though he knew that he was too old to be a father at the age of 100 and Sarah was barren.” Faith is being absolutely convinced that God will do what He said in spite of whatever makes it seem impossible. It is the essential ingredient to receiving and resting in the promises of God. Our faith in God brings Him glory and brings us His promises.
