Friday, April 10

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

‭‭—Habakkuk‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭

In a world of injustice, our God is still on His throne. And, He is at work — in our lives, our families, our churches, our city, our world.

William Cowper wrote in 1774 about the Sovereign workings and timing of God:

  “God moves in mysterious ways

   His wonders to perform

   He plants His footsteps in the sea

   And rides upon the storm

   Deep in unfathomable mines


   Of never failing skill.

  He treasures up His bright designs


   And works His sovereign will.

   Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;


   The clouds ye so much dread


   Are big with mercy and shall break


   In blessings on your head.

   Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,


   But trust Him for His grace;


   Behind a frowning providence


   He hides a smiling face.

   His purposes will ripen fast,


   Unfolding every hour;


   The bud may have a bitter taste,


   But sweet will be the flower.

   Blind unbelief is sure to err


   And scan His work in vain;


   God is His own interpreter,


   And He will make it plain.”

The vision God has for His work in our lives seems to tarry at times. But, “He is an on-time God,” a stranger told my brother one day as he was grappling with knowing and doing God’s will.

A mentor said to me years ago, “God will put something in your heart to do for Him, and then He will put it to death. And in His time He will resurrect it and bring it to pass” (cf. John 12:24). There is always a proving time, a preparation time, and a providing time.