by Dru Perera
The future can often feel vague and uncertain. Understanding what God has in store for us can sometimes lead to confusion, frustration, anxiety, and even anger. So, how can we successfully navigate an uncertain future according to God’s guidance? This article explores how positive anticipation can help us embrace the unfolding of God’s plans for us. It offers three biblical insights that can guide Christian coaches and their clients in harnessing anticipation to cultivate a joyful and purpose-driven life, personally and professionally.
What is anticipation? Anticipation represents a complex psychological phenomenon that significantly influences an individual’s capacity to thrive. It can manifest as either a positive or negative experience, resulting in feelings of joyful expectation or a sense of dreaded apprehension. Research has established a correlation between positive anticipation and overall well-being.
The science of anticipation – God has hardwired the human brain to be highly attuned to signals of potential rewards. Dopamine, a key neurotransmitter, plays an essential role in the brain’s reward system, which is activated through goal-oriented behaviours and pleasurable experiences. Consequently, the release of dopamine during anticipatory periods fosters excitement and motivation, rendering the waiting process more exciting. The Latin root of the term “anticipation,” which is “anticipare,” also emphasises action and preparation rather than emotional responses. Additionally, Scripture encourages us to embrace God’s purpose with hope instead of fear or passivity.
Here are three Biblical insights and examples to consider:
- Positive anticipation fuels faith
The saying “ready, set, go” emphasises the need for preparation; however, we often find ourselves neither ready nor set to begin. We simply need to be willing to take that leap. The believer’s faith sequence follows a similar pattern, which can be described as “Go. Set. Ready” (Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle: The 40-Day Prayer Challenge).
A clear example of this can be found in Exodus 12:11, where the Israelites were instructed to eat the Passover lamb in haste, fully dressed and ready to leave Egypt. This instruction from God instilled a sense of urgency and emphasised the importance of being prepared to put their faith into action.
Additionally, the rabbinic story of Nachshon beautifully illustrates how God responds when we act in faith. According to the Midrash, when the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army, Nachshon, a prince of the tribe of Judah, bravely stepped into the sea. His act demonstrated his faith that God would deliver them. When Nachshon stepped forward and Moses raised his staff, the miraculous parting of the Red Sea occurred, allowing the Israelites to escape.
By embracing anticipation in our faith journey, we can find the courage to act, trusting that God will fulfil His promises.
In what area of your life has God instilled a sense of urgency?
How are you being challenged to apply the faith sequence of go, set, ready?
2. Anticipation is how we learn to partner with God effectively
A significant aspect of fulfilling our God-given purpose and thriving lies in learning to distinguish between what is God’s responsibility and what is ours. We cannot do what only God can, and He will not perform our responsibilities. The process of learning to partner with God effectively ultimately shapes us into the likeness of Jesus.
Noah provides an excellent example here. Scripture says he began building the ark by faith when he was warned about things not yet seen (Hebrews 11:7). According to Rabbinic literature, after hearing from God, Noah immediately went out and started planting cedar trees, cutting them down, and continued this work for one hundred and twenty years. When people asked Noah why he was preparing so many trees, he explained that he would use the wood to build an ark to save himself from the flood about to come upon the earth. He also urged them to repent. However, the people mocked him and did not heed his warnings. Noah put faith into action by anticipating what he needed to do, leaving the rest to God.
We should follow God’s prompting like Noah, recognising that delayed obedience is disobedience!
What do you sense God is asking you to do?
What is He asking you to leave in His hands?
3. Anticipation is not about expecting the best and preparing for the worst; it involves understanding that holy anticipation will attract opposition.
Nehemiah exemplifies this principle well. He faced significant resistance when Judah’s enemies plotted to prevent him from leading the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s city walls and gates (Nehemiah 6:3). Nehemiah anticipated a positive outcome and prepared accordingly. When faced with challenges, he overcame each obstacle by trusting God to provide everything he needed to complete the task.
How are you anticipating a positive outcome and preparing for it?
How do you plan to face opposition and overcome obstacles?
In summary, anticipating positive outcomes triggers the release of dopamine in our brains, a neurotransmitter that enhances pleasure and motivation. This process improves our mental well-being and happiness, paving the way for a joyful and purpose-driven life. As the prophet Isaiah teaches, the best way to confront an uncertain future and continue flourishing is by reflecting on God’s faithfulness in the past. This reflection strengthens our ability to trust in His ongoing faithfulness (Isaiah 2:1-1). Both from a Biblical perspective and through our personal experiences, recalling these positive moments gives us the confidence to face the future with holy anticipation rather than dreaded fear.. Are you ready to live with your back to the future?
About the Author: Dru is an international leader at CCNI. She is a certified coach with over two decades of leadership experience and a doctoral student at Christian Leadership University. For more information, visit her website: coachmyreset.com.
