The Power of Expectation: Cultivating Hope in the Work

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt the weight of expectation settle on your shoulders? Maybe it’s the expectation of a difficult mission assignment, the expectation of a challenging conversation in missionary discussions, or perhaps the quiet, deep-seated hope for the day we will gather Israel. Sometimes, we treat hope like a gentle 'I wonder if...' feeling, something we just wait for while sipping tea.

But the Spirit whispers to us that hope is so much more powerful than that. It’s not passive waiting; it’s an active, joyful anticipation rooted in the covenants we’ve made and the promises of our Heavenly Father.

The Difference Between Hope and Wishful Thinking

We all know the difference, right? The world defines hope as that vague feeling—'I hope it doesn't rain.' But the hope the Book of Mormon speaks of, the hope that fuels the work, is something that carries genuine, divine power. It’s the kind of hope that makes you feel ready, expectant, and joyful, even when the circumstances around you are murky.

Think about it. When a missionary is preparing for the field, or when we are studying the scriptures in a Book Club, we aren't just reciting facts; we are building an expectation. We expect the Spirit to guide our words, we expect our companions to draw closer to the gospel, and we expect the Lord to bless the efforts of the Saints. This positive, expectant mindset is what allows us to be true disciples anywhere, all the time.

This principle is so vital that it deserves to be shared. I highly recommend watching this talk by Joyce Meyer, which beautifully unpacks this concept for us:

Cultivating a Positive Grundhaltung (Basic Attitude)

The speaker pointed out something profound: our thoughts and our *Grundhaltung*—our basic attitude—can be changed. We can actively choose to expect good things from the Lord, even when we've been through storms. This isn't about ignoring the negative; it’s about refusing to let negative thinking dictate our spiritual posture.

As we continue to live as Latter-day Saints, we are constantly being called to maintain this elevated, expectant state. If we approach our daily lives, our studies, and our interactions with the Lord expecting only struggle or disappointment, we are essentially telling the Spirit, "Don't bother showing up."

A Disciple Challenge for This Week

Here’s a small challenge to take back to your personal study time. When you find yourself thinking, "I hope things get better," pause. Reframe that thought. Instead of hoping, ask yourself: What do I expect from the Lord today? What specific, positive action or revelation am I anticipating? Write it down. Make it an expectation, not just a wish.

Remember, our power as disciples doesn't come from what we *have* seen, but from what we *expect* to see through faith. That joyful expectation is contagious; it’s the spiritual energy that helps us be effective Internet missionaries, whether we are in our MTC, serving in a stake center, or simply having a cup of coffee with a friend.

If you want to deepen this study, I found the insights on expectation woven through the scriptures fascinating. I encourage you to check out the social scripture study layer in LivingBook, particularly around the concept of divine promises. It’s a wonderful way to see how others are wrestling with these eternal truths.

For those of you who are feeling the call to deeper study, we are hosting a Bible Study Group this coming Sunday. It's a chance to discuss these very topics with other disciples who are committed to building their faith on solid ground. Come prepared to share what you are *expecting* from the gospel!