What are you truly expecting from God right now—and how is that expectation shaping your faith?
As we approach Christmas and look ahead to a new year, many of us are simply hoping to survive—to keep our heads above water, to hold our families together, to get through another season. But Scripture invites us into something deeper: not just survival, but expectation. God calls us to expect more—not because of who we are, but because of who He is.
Expectation Shapes Our Faith
There was an experiment that showed how expectation alone could change what happened inside the body—even when nothing external was different. As believers, we already know this truth spiritually.
The Bible calls it faith.
“Now faith is the confidence of what we hope for and the assurance of what we do not see.”
(Hebrews 11:1)
What we expect shapes how we pray, how we respond to uncertainty, how we give, and how we trust God. Expectation isn’t wishful thinking—it’s a faith-filled posture that says, God, I believe You are good, even before I see the outcome.
God’s Grace
In Luke chapter 1, after 400 years of silence, God speaks again—not to kings or religious leaders, but to a young woman in a forgotten town.
“God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee.”
(Luke 1:26)
Nazareth was small, unimpressive, and overlooked. Mary was young, ordinary, and unseen. Yet the angel’s first words to her weren’t correction or instruction—they were affirmation.
“Greetings, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you.”
(Luke 1:28)
Mary was called highly favored before she did anything. This is grace. God’s favor doesn’t come after we qualify—it comes because He is gracious.
Important quote from the message:
“God sent Gabriel to remind her: this is not because of you—it’s because of God’s grace.”
God Uses the Ordinary and the Unnoticed
Mary questioned how this calling could be possible. Like many of us, she felt unqualified. But God wasn’t asking her to rely on her strength.
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
(Luke 1:35)
This was a reminder that God empowers what He calls. The same Spirit who hovered over the waters in Genesis—the Spirit of creation—would now overshadow Mary.
Important quote from the message:
“What God calls you to, He empowers you to do.”
Nothing Is Impossible with God
To strengthen Mary’s faith, Gabriel pointed her to a testimony—Elizabeth, once barren, now expecting.
“For nothing is impossible with God.”
(Luke 1:37)
Testimonies matter. They raise expectation. They remind us that if God did it before, He can do it again.
Important quote from the message:
“Your testimony could be the foundation of someone else’s faith.”
Saying Yes Before You See How
Mary didn’t receive all the details. She didn’t get a step-by-step plan. What she gave God was her trust.
“I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled.”
(Luke 1:38)
This is faith—saying yes before understanding everything. Surrender before certainty.
Important quote from the message:
“Faith begins where full understanding ends.”
Final Thought
The thrill of hope isn’t found in perfect circumstances or clear answers. It’s found in trusting a faithful God. This Christmas, don’t limit God by fear or insecurity. Dare to expect. Dare to ask. Dare to believe that God can do immeasurably more.
If you feel ordinary, unseen, or unsure—take heart. God specializes in using people just like you. Expect more, not because you are strong, but because He is with you.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your grace that meets us before we are ready. Help us to expect more from You, not by our strength, but by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Overshadow our lives, our families, our church, and our future. Teach us to trust You, to say yes, and to walk in faith even when we don’t see the full picture. We place our hope in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.