"For the vision is yet for the appointed time;

It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail.

Though it tarries, wait for it;

For it will certainly come, it will not delay."

Habakkuk 2:3 NASB

I'm a strong believer in taking in God's Word in context so I usually stray away from listing verses out of context but I was struck this morning by how much this verse speaks of God's character.  It is God speaking to Habakkuk after Habakkuk has lamented the state of the peoples to Him.  God is beginning to share a vision with the prophet.  He [Habakkuk] is to write it on tablets, "That the one who reads it may run."  I found that an odd way to describe a reaction but the words in true meaning actually state who reads is rather one may read it fluently and the word read  has a greater meaning when understood to mean  is to problaim it.  So, the vision was to be written that it could be read and understood flunently and to be read aloud or proclaimed.  God wanted people to know, hear, and understand what He was about to say.

I highlighted some of the phrases that really stood out to me in the above verse.  I also lament the state of the generation in which I live.  I long for Christian women/wives/mommas to know and understand God's Word so that they may walk in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4: 1).  I believe that God's design is for a woman to find her joy and contentment at home fulfilling the duties that God has designed for her as a help-meet and home-keeper.  But, alas, I digress from today's thought.

I see three things that comfort and instruct me in this verse.  The first is that God describes this vision as having a goal and that it will be carried out.  This reminds me in my "so-daily" life that God has a goal and it will be carried out regardless of the schemes of man that I see playing out before me or in my own family.  I thank God for these little reminders in the Word that "I'm not in control and don't have to be".  He is God and He is working His plan for the ages.  What peace is found in knowing that such a BIG God is working His plan in my life and He will not fail.  Wow!

The second thing I see is that we are told to wait for it.  I know this is an area that I struggle with on a daily basis.  I think back to the Old Testment believers and how they waited for Messiah.  I'm waiting to join my Father in heaven, see my children grow in wisdom and statute, and how God will work out the crazy-looking situations in my life.  But in the end we see a statement that reminds us of God's authority and how He instructs us [parents us].  Only a person in authority can say "wait" or give such directions.  Am I accepting God's authority in my life?  Wow, have to ponder that one in prayer.  The other thought I see in this is a comforting one...if you are told to wait there must be a purpose or something on the other side that is worth waiting for.  I don't know about you but I know that if I can hold on to a promise in the Word it grows my faith to endure the wait.

The last thing I see is that God has everything on schedule.  Again, it is such a comfort to know that God is the one keeping the schedule.  Do I always agree with the timetable?  No.  But then the sanctification process kicks in, thanks to the Holy Spirit, and I begin to see the supreme design and care that God has for me/His world/His church/His people. 

So, like Habakkuk I often lament the downfall of our world/culture/christian-culture and I wonder how much longer God will allow the evil to prosper and then I see a glimpse of God's character and I'm reminded of how my worry is for naught.

Habakkuk :

...Yes, destruction and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises.  Therefore, the law is ignored And justice is never upheld.  For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore, justice comes out perverted.

God:

Look among the nations!  Observe!  Be astonished!  Wonder!  Because I am doing something in your days--You would not believe if you were told.

Thanks for making it to the end!  There might be more thoughts on Habakkuk in the future....