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Day 12: Living in Eager Expectation
As believers, we live in the tension between the “already” and the “not yet.” Christ has already come, secured our salvation, and given us His Spirit, but we are still waiting for the full realization of His kingdom. Paul captures this sense of anticipation in Romans 8:23-25: “We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved… But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
This theme of eager expectation teaches us how to live with hope and purpose in a world that is still broken, as we look forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The Hope of Redemption
Paul describes believers as “groaning inwardly” as we wait for the redemption of our bodies. This groaning reflects the longing we have for the final completion of God’s work in us. We already experience the firstfruits of the Spirit—our salvation, relationship with God, and the beginning of transformation—but we know that the fullness is yet to come.
We are waiting for the day when all things will be made new, when we will experience the full redemption of our bodies and souls, and when we will live in perfect communion with God. This hope is not vague or uncertain—it is anchored in the finished work of Christ. Because Jesus has already conquered sin and death through His resurrection, we can be confident that our hope is secure.
Waiting with Patience
One of the most challenging aspects of living in eager expectation is waiting. Patience does not come easily to most of us, especially in a world that thrives on instant gratification. But Paul calls us to wait patiently for what we do not yet see, trusting that God’s timing is perfect.
Patience in the Christian life is not passive resignation. It is active trust in God’s promises. It means continuing to live faithfully, serve others, and pursue holiness, even when the fulfillment of God’s promises seems distant. It’s about holding on to hope, even in the face of trials and delays, knowing that God is working behind the scenes in ways we cannot see.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
As we wait, the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in helping us live in this state of eager expectation. Paul refers to the Spirit as the “firstfruits,” the down payment or guarantee of what is to come. The Spirit empowers us, strengthens us, and reassures us that we are children of God. The Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, even interceding for us with “wordless groans” (Romans 8:26).
The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is both a reminder of the future glory that awaits us and a source of strength for the present journey. When we struggle with discouragement, doubt, or suffering, the Spirit is there to comfort and guide us, keeping our hearts focused on the hope of redemption.
How to Live in Eager Expectation
Living in eager expectation means allowing our hope for the future to shape the way we live today. Here are a few practical ways to cultivate this mindset in our daily lives:
- Stay Grounded in Scripture: The Bible is full of promises about the future redemption and glory that awaits us. Meditate on passages that remind you of God’s ultimate plan for your life and the world. Let these truths guide your thoughts and actions, especially in difficult times.
- Pray with Expectation: When you pray, do so with the confidence that God hears you and is working all things for your good. Ask Him to help you wait patiently and to give you the strength to live faithfully in the present as you anticipate the future.
- Persevere in Trials: Trials and suffering are a natural part of the Christian life, but they do not have the final word. Persevere through hardship by keeping your eyes fixed on the glory that is to come. Trust that God is using your present circumstances to prepare you for the eternal joy that awaits.
- Invest in Eternal Things: Instead of getting caught up in the temporary concerns of this world, focus on things that have eternal value—your relationship with God, your character, and your influence on others. Live each day with the awareness that this life is temporary, but what you do for God’s kingdom will last forever.
- Encourage Others with Hope: As we live in eager expectation, we are also called to encourage our fellow believers. Remind them of the hope we have in Christ and encourage them to persevere. Sometimes, the simple act of reminding someone of the future glory can help them endure the present struggles.
The Joy of Anticipation
Living in eager expectation is not just about enduring trials—it’s also about experiencing the joy of anticipation. Think of the excitement of looking forward to a long-awaited event, like a wedding, the birth of a child, or a long-overdue vacation. The joy of anticipation makes the waiting easier and fills each day with hope.
In the same way, our anticipation of the return of Christ and the redemption of all things should fill our hearts with joy. This is not a burden but a privilege—to live each day with the knowledge that God’s best is still to come.
How This Applies to Us Today
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of the future hope we have in Christ. We can become focused on the here and now, distracted by the demands of life, or discouraged by the challenges we face. But Romans 8 reminds us that there is something far greater ahead of us.
Take time to reflect on what you are eagerly awaiting in your walk with God. Are you living with that sense of anticipation, or have you become distracted by the temporary things of this world? How can you refocus your heart and mind on the promises of God?
Reflection Questions:
- How does living in eager expectation change the way you approach your daily life?
- What are some areas where you need to practice more patience as you wait for God’s promises to be fulfilled?
- How can you stay grounded in the hope of future glory, even in the midst of trials and suffering?
Final Thought
As believers, we have a glorious future ahead of us—one that far outweighs the struggles and sufferings of this present life. Living in eager expectation is about keeping our hearts and minds focused on that hope, allowing it to guide our actions, strengthen our faith, and fill us with joy. As we wait for the redemption of all things, let us do so with patience, faithfulness, and a deep sense of anticipation for the fulfillment of God’s promises.