Ready While Waiting

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.  That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age, but in the one to come."  Ephesians 1:17-21

The Prophet Habakkuk struggled with questions, why God doesn't do something about wickedness in his people, and why would God do something about wickedness by allowing those who are even more wicked to rule over his people.

Habakkuk's perspective changed as he waited to see what the Lord would say and focused the eyes of his heart on the hope he had in God Himself.

"I will climb up into my watchtower now and wait to see what the Lord will say to me and how he will answer my complaint.  Then the Lord said to me, "write my answer in large clear letters on a tablet, so that a runner can read it and tell everyone else.""  Hab. 2:1-2.  

"Look at the proud!  They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked; but the righteous will live by their faith."  Hab. 2:4.

Jesus taught in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, to be prepared while waiting.  Just as Habakkuk climbed up into the watchtower and waited to see what the Lord would do; so the Wise Virgins where ready while waiting, it didn't matter how long it took the Bridegroom to arrive, they had oil with them to keep their lamps burning (Matt. 25, also see Luke 12:35-38).

St. Augustine said, "Do not rejoice in earthly reality, rejoice in Christ, rejoice in His word, rejoice in His law...There will be peace and tranquility in the Christian heart; but only as long as our faith is watchful; if, however our faith sleeps, we are in danger."

Are you living your Christian life watchfully, being faithful to humbly wait on Lord?  Keeping your faith burning by His Spirit as your meditate on the Word?  Warren Wiersbe says, " it is good to wrestle with God about questions that perplex you--just be sure to stop talking long enough to listen.  It is good to "be still and know that He is God"  Ps. 46:10."  Keep your faith burning bright while you serve and wait, by being filled daily with the Spirit as you yield to Him.

Remember what is true about God.  God is Love, God is Just, God is Faithful, God will bring about His Purpose and His Plan.  "But the Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth be silent before Him."  Hab. 2:20.  Instead of questioning God, be still and wait.  Instead of scheming to make things the way they "should be", be silent before Him.  Remember God is the Ruler and the Lord of all and trust that all that He decrees is for our ultimate good and for His glory, not only in this present age but in the one to come!  Be ready while you are waiting.