What is Anticipation?

In our culture today, the word ‘anticipation’ has been reduced to mean a feeling of expectation. However, the original meaning of the term, ‘anticipation,’ had to do with action and preparation.

To anticipate is ‘to foresee and act in advance of.’

Our English word, ‘anticipate’, comes from a Latin word ‘anticipare’, which meant to ‘take care of ahead of time’ or literally, ‘taking into possession beforehand.’ [1]

It is this original meaning of anticipation that I believe the Holy Spirit is bringing to our attention at this time.

For example, a couple of years ago, my ministry trips outside of Melbourne were becoming more frequent. To save time, I purchased duplicates of items that I use every day, and now keep them packed in a suitcase, ready to go.

That suitcase, kept in our spare room, is there in anticipation of my upcoming travel.

Get ready! It is time to move!

Anticipation is a powerful Biblical principle.

In Exodus 12, Moses instructed the Israelites to get ready immediately for their exodus from Egypt. They were to eat the Passover lamb clothed, prepared, and ready to go on their journey. (Exodus 12:11)
Get ready! It is time to move!

I believe God wants to encourage you in the area of stirring up anticipation for what He is going to do, personally, in ministry, and on a church level.

4 Powerful Principles of Anticipation

1. It is an expression of faith

Anticipation is about preparing and making room for what you know is yours by faith. It is getting ready for what God has told you is coming.

Noah began building the ark—a large boat—in anticipation of a flood. Hebrews tells us, ‘By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.’ (Heb 11:7)

‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’ (Heb 11:1 NKJV)

Ten people gather to pray for rain in a time of drought. One person brings an umbrella. That’s anticipation!

Anticipation is an expression of faith. Anticipation comes with evidence. It is visible, and it is powerful.

2. Anticipation will Attract Opposition

It is so powerful that the enemy will try to prevent it. Anticipation attracts resistance.

Nehemiah discovered this when Judah’s enemies schemed to stop him from leading the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s city walls and gates.

They tried to distract Nehemiah from his work by calling a meeting with him—secretly planning to harm him. However, Nehemiah sent a message, “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3)

• Your anticipation will be bold and audacious at times
• At other times, it will consist of taking the next small step by faith—sometimes as an act of warfare—in the midst of trial, delay, and darkness
  When the going gets tough, you may feel like giving up. There are times when you are in the process of moving towards your destiny or a God-given project or dream, and you need to persevere.

Power is released when you continue ANTICIPATING during difficult times.

3. God Restores Anticipation

When anticipation has been lost, God wants to restore it.

Judah’s leaders had ceased anticipating the completion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. For 17 years, the temple foundations lay in neglect. [2] But then came the prophetic word—to remind them of God’s original instruction and exhort them to recommence the building project.

Do not give up! Allow the Holy Spirit to restore your anticipation for the fulfilment of God’s promises and the dreams He has placed in your heart—for your destiny, your family, your ministry, or your church.

It’s time to go back to the original promise and instruction that God gave to you.

Revisit the Bible for the truth about who God is and who He says you are.

Receive a fresh word from the Holy Spirit that will spur you on to continue acting in faith.

What anticipation is God restoring in your life?

4. Anticipation Leads to Breakthrough

To anticipate is to position for God’s purpose. Anticipation is about alignment.

Anticipation is more than expectation. It is expect-action.
It is faith in motion.

• Anticipation is David running towards Goliath, with a slingshot and a stone in his hand
• It is Elijah sending his servant to look for a cloud in the sky

Anticipation is a powerful spiritual principle. It is also practical and means taking steps forward. It has been said, ‘The journey of 1,000 miles begins with the first step,’ and ‘Do something every day towards your dream and your goals.’

It’s time to ‘start the ball rolling.’ You will find that your anticipation will lead to momentum.

Your anticipation and acts of obedience, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, will bring a breakthrough as you take possession of God’s promise by faith.

Notes:

[1]My references have been taken from the etymological dictionary here

[2] See the Why Does God Allow Frustration And Delays? for more of this story from the books of Ezra, Zechariah and Haggai.

Related Posts:

4 Things You Can Do in a Crisis

Signs Your Prophetic Destiny is Being Unleashed

Has this message about anticipation especially spoken to you, or do you have a testimony, poem, or Scripture to share? Leave a message in the comments section.

© 2015 – Helen Calder   Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

Enliven Ministries: Prophetic ministry for a revival generation

Helen Calder

Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.