Though It Tarries...

 

2020...

What a year it has been.

Walking into this year I was eagerly expecting the fulfillment of several long-awaited dreams. Instead, I experienced brokenness and heartsickness unlike anything I have ever known before... on more than one occasion.

What do you do when the promises you have been holding onto for so long seem to be delayed or canceled?

There is a verse that is quite popular around the preparations for a new year. In fact, this scripture was the one which many pastors and teachers used to prepare us for 2020 before we entered it.

"Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run." 

Habakkuk 2:2 (New American Standard Bible)

2020: the year of perfect vision. How ironic, right?

But, there is an important continuation of this verse that often gets overlooked.

"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 (New American Standard Bible)

"For the message is a witness to what is decreed; it gives reliable testimony about how matters will turn out. Even if the message is not fulfilled right away, wait patiently; for it will certainly come to pass--it will not arrive late." 

Habakkuk 2:3 (NET Bible)

Perfect vision is not always about what we observe with these natural eyes. The eyes of faith can offer a heavenly perspective that is unparalleled.

When you have been waiting on something for a while it can be easy to feel discouraged and weary. Thoughts of doubt begin to creep in.

Did I really hear from the Lord about this? 

Will this ever come to pass?

Then comes the gut-wrenching anxiety that takes one's insides and turns them into a twisted pretzel of chaos and confusion. 

The Bible warns us that: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." However, it goes on to say, "but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life" (Proverbs 13:12, New King James Version).

This does not mean that we are not supposed to hope and eagerly expect. It simply means that when that hope seems to be delayed, we are to guard our hearts against disappointment and resentment.

Abraham was familiar with waiting on a promise. Perhaps there were times when the wait made him heartsick. The Lord promised him a son when he was 75 years old. Yet, Isaac was not born until after Abraham turned 100. That was 25 long years of hoping against hope for the fulfillment of that which was promised to him by God.

Abraham did a good job of waiting... at first. However, halfway between the promise and its fulfillment, he allowed himself to be talked into taking matters into his own hands. The result of this mismanagement was Ishmael.

Once Abraham realized that he had stepped out of the realm of faith, he repented, put his ambitions aside, and refocused his gaze on the Lord. In spite of his shortcomings, he ended up being documented in the Hall of Faith [found in Hebrews 11] more than anyone else.

When I was walking through the bitter pain of disappointment in the field of crushed dreams, God gave me a much needed reality check. 

The reason why I was experiencing so much hurt was because my vision was impaired. 

You see, somewhere along the way of eager expectations and waiting, I had allowed those dreams which God had planted deep within the fertile soil of my heart to usurp His place in my affections and longings. 

The dreams had taken the place of the Dream-Giver.

I had allowed the focus of my gaze to be shifted from the Promiser to the promises.

The switch was not blatantly obvious to me. It had occurred gradually over time, beyond my notice.

If He had allowed me to continue on the path I was on, it would have destroyed me.

In His great love for me, He had to allow me to experience the chisel of His correction as He chipped away the callousness I had allowed to envelope my heart.

My friend, let patience have its perfect work in your life. There are things hidden deep within your heart that our Heavenly Father must address before He can bring you into the land which He has promised you. 

If He allowed you to walk in before these matters were addressed, it would become a breeding ground for pride and idolatry which leads to destruction.

So if His promises seem to be delayed in your life, know this: Though it tarries, it will not be late.

Fix your gaze on the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Worship Jesus with all your heart. Spend time at His feet. Feed on His Word. Embrace His presence. Rest in His love.

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." 

Galatians 6:9 (New King James Version)

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." 

Isaiah 40:31 (New International Version)

Be encouraged that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

Let us embrace this new year with renewed hope and purpose!

Cheering you on,

Rose-Élise Melodie