“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
-Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)
Patience is hard to develop in this fast paced world we live in. When I read Habakkuk 2:3, it deeply resonates with me, especially the last words, “though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come.” I speak not only for myself, but also I’m sure for many others when I say that once I make a prayer request to the Lord, I usually expect an immediate response. That is not what God has promised us, however.
This verse stands as a reminder to me that there is a season for everything, including the answers to my prayers. If I continue to trust and believe while I wait, I know that everything I have prayed for will come to pass - in God’s time. His timing is always perfect!
I once read about a scenario that I would like to share. Have you ever ordered an item online that you were really excited about and it was scheduled to arrive in 3-7 business days? Now it is the 6th day and you are beyond anxious, maybe even angry that the package has yet not arrived. So, you check the tracking number over the internet several times a day, just to see how far it has travelled since you last checked it. You do this until the seventh day, and then you get the notification that your package has arrived. But, you still have to wait until it can be delivered. When the package finally arrives, you are filled with so much excitement that you almost forget to sign for it and while in a fit of eager anticipation to see what’s inside, you slam the door in the face of the person who delivered it to you without so much as a “thank you”.
Note: You became angry and impatient even before the deadline has passed.
That was a simple example, but one I think we all can relate to. As it applies to Habakkuk 2:3, your answer to a prayer is that package, and God is who you were tirelessly monitoring and eventually slammed the door on without a second thought.
It is easy to get caught up in the anticipation and anxiety of receiving what you have prayed for. In fact, despite God’s promise that “it will certainly come”, you may even doubt that it will ever be manifested. You are constantly checking up with God to make sure He has not forgotten you, not realizing every time you do so, you are actually questioning whether the Word of God is true.
God makes no mistakes and our prayers are answered in God’s timing, not ours. Continue to be patient and trust Him daily in all aspects of your life and your children’s lives.