Then the Lord answered me and said:
“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.
“Behold the proud,
His soul is not upright in him;
But the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:1-4
The Lord reminded Habakkuk of three truths that are important for us to remember as we go through the process of seeing God’s vision being fulfilled:
But at the end it [the vision] will speak, and it will not lie
The word “speak” in its original Hebrews means: to blow, to breathe, to inflame, and to excite (From Strong’s Concordance). God’s vision brings about fresh breath of air, and it inspires its hearers. It blows air into the embers, and it inflames our faith afresh. The good news is that when the vision comes from the Lord, it speaks truth and does not lie! It excites us but with the purpose to move us forward into God’s purpose. The vision has substance and is weighty. It is not wishful thinking nor does it puff us up! When Joesph had the dreams about his future, they did not puff him up. They were substantive and purposeful in his life as he went through many struggles before he saw their fulfillment.
Wait for the vision
The Lord reminded Habakkuk that there would be a delay in bringing forth the vision! Things are not going to happen in our timeframe. We may have an opinion as to when is a good time, but the Lord sees all things and knows the appointed time for it. In Hebrew, the above word “wait” is about longing for it and to “tie a knot” (From Strong’s Concordance). The Lord calls for our faith to be anchored in Him for bringing forth the vision. God is trustworthy, and He will bring it into fruition!
At first, Abraham believed God when he heard God’s vision, but then through years of waiting, his wife convinced him that they must do something to make it happen! So Abraham had Ishmael with his Egyptian maidservant! They found out, the hard way, that God’s vision will be done in God’s timing and in God’s way. In spite of their impatience and mess up, the Lord was merciful and allowed them to have the promised child, Isaac, through Sarah !
The just shall live by his faith
The delay may cause believers to doubt the Lord’s vision and His promises, but the Lord expects His children to remain steadfast. He is faithful, and He will accomplish what He has spoken. Those who are in a right-standing with the Lord will continue to live by faith. They will continue to believe God. While we cannot make a vision happen in our timeframe, we can cause God’s vision to be delayed due to our grumbling or disobedience.
While in the wilderness, the Israelites had God’s vision. However, when things took too long and the heat and dryness of the wilderness caused weariness in their bodies and spirits, they lost the vision for the Promised Land. That generation died in the wilderness and it was the next generation that saw the fulfillment of God’s vision!
Most of us have experienced delays in the vision that God has given us. With the above scriptures, the Lord is encouraging all of us about the reliability of His word. As we wait for the fulfillment of the vision, let’s consider the following:
1. Was the vision from the Lord!? If you’re not sure, talk to a spiritually mature believer. Share the vision and ask them to prayerfully evaluate God’s vision with you.
2. If you believe it was God’s vision, be sure to write it down.
3. Deal with any unbelief in your heart by asking the Lord for forgiveness and renew your mind with His truth.
4. If you have experienced some disappointments, surrender them to the Lord and allow Him to refresh your vision.
5. Enjoy your relationship with the Lord and stay in faith.
6. Be obedient to what He asks you to do and continue to pray over God’s vision for you.