Habakkuk 2

“I will stand at My guard post and station myself on the lookout tower. I will watch to see what He will say to me and what He should reply about My complaint. The Lord answered me: Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it. For the vision is yet for an 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.” Habakkuk 2:1-3 (HCSB)

When I was in college, I had a fraternity brother whose Labrador retriever could do all kinds of tricks. To me, the most impressive trick had nothing to do with fetching a beer from the fridge or catching a Frisbee. This guy’s dog would allow his master to put a treat on the dog’s own nose. Then, the dog would sit there for long periods, treat resting upon his snout. Then, the master would snap his finger, and the dog would finally devour the treat. Impressive for a beast. Not many humans display such control of their fleshly desires.

There is nothing harder for mankind to do than wait on God. The restlessness of our flesh will not stand delayed gratification. We count the time we spend waiting as lost time. It was the opposite for Habakkuk. Habakkuk had sought the Lord eagerly and anxiously. Then, he took the attitude of a patient learner who remains silent until the master is ready to make his thoughts known. The apostle Peter had a similar exhortation:

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

Adding to Peter’s words, the Apostle Paul underscored that God’s delay has a sense of urgency attached to it. Like those “Limited offer” commercials we have become so familiar with.

“Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.” Romans 13:11 (NASB)

While God may take His time, the time of His visitation will certainly arrive. And when it comes, like an expired coupon, the grace extended today will have been reeled back in.

“I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality.” Revelation 2:21 (NASB)

I say it often, but I believe it bears repeating: Two things confound a fool: How slow God is to judge sin and how quickly He shows up! Commit to follow Him while it is still daytime because no one can imagine how terribly black the night will be.