This vision is for a future time… It will not be delayed.
Habakkuk 2:3 NLT
I love the book of Habakkuk. It gives me permission to bring my questions to God. Even if God does not answer, it’s wonderful knowing that He is there listening to not only my praise, thanks, and requests – but also to my questions. I think we’ve all questioned God about His long delay in returning for His children. Life gets harder and harder, and sometimes we are overwhelmed by the disasters we see on TV, lives lost from senseless violence, political turmoil, and much more.
I confess to feeling that time needs to move faster. Since my children were toddlers, I’ve told them Jesus is coming soon. Now they are adults, and I’m still saying the same words.
Sometimes I look at the world in which we live and ask myself if Bible prophecies are being fulfilled – anything to make His coming seem sooner rather than later. Then I read this verse from Habakkuk. Here, God is making His second reply to Habakkuk’s questions. He reassures the prophet that his vision refers to the end of time. If it seems slow in getting here, though, we are to wait patiently, for the end will definitely come (see Habakkuk 2:3).
As I read God’s words of comfort to Habakkuk, I realized God was also comforting me. His words comforted and strengthened my heart as I thought of the Second Coming. There is an “appointed time” for Christ’s return. God never lies. He said He would return in John 14:1-3, and He will!
Finally, God says that “though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV). To us, the fulfillment of this promise may seem late in coming, but God wants us to wait in faith and trust. Knowing that not only will He return but also the fulfillment will surely come. God’s time is not ours. Though we may be late at times, God is never late.
I don’t know what “when” question you are struggling with today. “When will I get married, Lord?” “When will we be able to buy a home?” “When will I get a job, Lord?” The gentle reply comes back – there is an appointed time… so surrender.
Take heart, my sister. God does not lie, and He is ever faithful.
Color my World with Love ©2020 General Conference Women’s Ministries Department