Have you ever wished God would just drop a message down from the sky to tell you what to do next? Or maybe send a care package of “patience”, “healing”, and “strength” along with a checkbox list of what to do or where to go next?
I know I have!
I’ve often thought people in the Old Testament surely had it easier because God just spoke from the sky to them. Or set a bush on fire. Even better are the disciples who lived during Jesus’ time who could just ask Jesus a question face-to-face and get an immediate response.
But my perspective reveals a flawed perception of the Almighty God.
God wants to be known by us, and speak to us, that is abundantly clear in Scripture. My tendency, however, is to elevate the “answer” over the “relationship”.
I want the “next” instead of delighting in the walking with Him on the journey.
I’m looking to check off my boxes and make sure I’ve done all the right things.
But God is looking for my heart, to shepherd it, to teach me to trust, to develop my faith in Him as He leads me deeper into our relationship.
How much sweeter His ways are than mine!
In Habakkuk 2:2-3, the Lord assures Habakkuk the vision God had given to him would indeed come to pass. God reminds the prophet the timing is God’s alone for its coming.
Habakkuk would have the choice to trust God at His word or lean into his doubt instead.
God gave very clear directions to Habakkuk to write out the words of the vision detailing the coming judgement so everyone would be able to read and understand them.
The Lord’s Words would indeed be fulfilled.
Judgement would come.
In the same way Habakkuk and ancient Israel had access to God’s words through the prophet, so do we have direct access to God and His will for our lives by reading Scripture. As God assured Israel His words were unchanging and would be fulfilled, so can we have the same confidence when it comes to God. His word never changes, His character remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is trustworthy like nothing else in all of creation!
Listen to His word, heed His message of hope and salvation offered through Jesus, and trust Him with all you have! Grow your relationship with Him by studying His word and practicing listening to the Holy Spirit!
Today's Invitation
1) Pull out your Bible and read Habakkuk 2:2-3 fully through 3 times. Read it slowly, emphasizing different words each time. Let the words of Scripture hang over you as the Spirit speaks to your heart.
2) Each time you read, write down everything that pops out at you, makes you curious, or wonder “why?”. When you’re finished, go back through and you’ll be amazed at the new things the Spirit is leading you into knowing about Him!
3) Write out a prayer of thanks to God for being a God of clarity and wisdom instead of a God of secrets and deception. Ask Him for clear understanding where you need it most, and praise Him for how He will provide as you wait for Him.
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Habakkuk 2:2-3
The Lord answered me:
Write down this vision;
clearly inscribe it on tablets
so one may easily read it.
3 For the vision is yet for the appointed time;
it testifies about the end and will not lie.
Though it delays, wait for it,
since it will certainly come and not be late.
How Does “Pause” Work?
1.Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.
2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.
3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!
4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.
5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!
Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Pause IV Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Looking for other journeys from this theme? Here’s a link to all past studies
in Pause!
This really blessed my heart,
“But God is looking for my heart, to shepherd it, to teach me to trust, to develop my faith in Him as He leads me deeper into our relationship.”.