Psalm 9:18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.

I have one question that is met with silence and blank stares from those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. That question is this: What do you expect? I add no qualifiers, no conditions, and ask that they share only their expectations. Granted I have limited access to a wide sample of the population and that if I asked lofty people I might receive an answer. Someone else will have to give that conversation. My audience is more of the poor sort.

What has life dealt this people that they have not given much thought to their own expectations? It is possible that they expect more of the same but do not hope for more of the same. In this I find a common thread, that hope is dashed by events in this world. Sincere effort does not guarantee success. If at first you don’t succeed try, try again is all but gone from public speech.

Christians have an expectation based on hope which is not performance based. Our hope is in the promises of a God who is true and powerful to meet our expectations, if we base them on those promises.

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

I expect to continue in the Way.