Learn to expect the unexpected from God.

Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. – Proverbs 23:18

Expectations are more than daydreams. They are a strong desire and belief that something will happen and living in anticipation of it. In today’s verse, the first word, “Surely,” is an assurance of what follows, and that is “a future.” What are your expectations for the future? What are you thinking of, looking forward to, focusing on, or hoping for that God has in store for you? Are you expectant?

In Jeremiah 1:5, God tells the prophet, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you: I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” You are probably familiar with Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Expectations, concerning what God is doing and will do, require faith. You must look beyond your circumstances. Know what God’s Word says about your expectations. Cast aside fear, refuse doubt or despair. Keep your integrity. And wait for His timing. Waiting is never easy, but impatience invites other problems. Your time will come! God is working behind the scenes, and “it will surely come, it will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:3).