Faith is often described as the foundation of our spiritual lives, but what happens when faith lacks expectation? This thought-provoking quote, “Faith without expectation is the same as an engine without fuel,” invites us to reflect on the vital connection between faith and expectation. Just as an engine cannot function without fuel, our faith cannot thrive if it lacks the driving force of expectation.
The Power of Expectation in Faith
In the Christian walk, faith and expectation are inseparable. Faith is more than just belief in God’s existence; it is a trust in His promises and His character. Expectation, on the other hand, is the confident anticipation that God will act according to His Word. Without this anticipation, faith becomes stagnant—like an engine that has all the parts but no fuel to move forward.
The Bible tells us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). This verse highlights that faith involves a hopeful anticipation—an expectation—that what we believe in will come to pass. When we have faith in God’s promises but do not expect Him to fulfil them, we are missing a crucial element of true belief. As A.W. Tozer once said, “True faith is never found alone; it is always accompanied by expectation” .
Why Expectation Matters
Expectation transforms passive belief into active trust. It’s one thing to believe in God’s power; it’s another to live with the confident hope that God will move in your life. When you expect God to act, you align your heart with His promises and open yourself up to receive His blessings.
Consider the story of Jairus in Mark 5:21-43. Jairus came to Jesus with faith that He could heal his dying daughter, but it was his expectation that drove him to seek Jesus out despite overwhelming circumstances. When others doubted, Jesus encouraged Jairus with these words: “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36). In this moment, Jairus’ faith and expectation collided, and his daughter was miraculously healed. This story illustrates how expectation fuels our faith and enables us to experience God’s power.
Living with Expectation
Living with expectation means trusting that God will fulfil His promises in His perfect timing and way. It’s not about demanding specific outcomes but about believing that God’s goodness will manifest in our lives. Romans 15:13 reminds us that “the God of hope fills us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This hope—this confident expectation—is what sustains us through trials and uncertainties.
When we lack expectation, we risk falling into a mindset of doubt or resignation. We may pray without truly believing that God will answer or go through life without expecting anything extraordinary from Him. But as Christians, we are called to live with a sense of anticipation because we serve a faithful God who delights in fulfilling His promises.
How to Cultivate Expectation
If you find yourself struggling with low expectations or doubt, take heart! Expectation can be cultivated through intentional steps:
- Meditate on God’s Promises: Spend time reading Scripture and reflecting on God’s promises for your life. As you immerse yourself in His Word, your confidence in His character will grow.
- Pray with Boldness: Approach God in prayer with boldness and expectancy. Trust that He hears you and will respond according to His perfect will (1 John 5:14-15).
- Remember Past Faithfulness: Reflect on how God has been faithful to you in the past. Remembering His previous works can fuel your expectation for what He will do next.
- Surround Yourself with Believers: Engage with a community of believers who encourage one another to live expectantly. Their testimonies can inspire you to raise your own expectations.
Read More About This Quote
Daily Devotional: God’s Care Beyond What We Can See
Words of Wisdom: God’s Provision: Trusting When You Can’t See the Way
Conclusion: The Fuel for Your Faith
Just like an engine needs fuel to run, your faith needs expectation to thrive. Without it, your spiritual journey may feel stagnant or powerless. But when you live with confident hope in God’s promises, your faith becomes dynamic and alive.
Today, let this quote remind you that true faith is not passive—it actively waits for God’s hand at work. As you continue your walk with Christ, may you be filled with a fresh spirit of anticipation, trusting that He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
