November 3

In God's Time

For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay. — Hab 2:3 BSB

Mercy may seem delayed, but it is always sure. The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, has set a time for His gracious acts, and His timing is always perfect. We are often in a hurry; the vision of blessing excites our desire and stirs up our impatience, but God always keeps His appointments. He is never early, and He is never late.

Here, God’s Word is described as a living thing that will speak and come. It’s never just a dead letter, though we might fear that when we’ve waited a long time for its fulfillment. The living Word is on its way from the living God, and though it seems to tarry, it is not truly delayed. God’s timing is never off. All we need is patience, and we will soon see for ourselves the faithfulness of the Lord. No promise of His will fail or mislead us—it “will not lie.” It won’t remain silent forever—it “will speak.” Oh, the comfort it will bring to the believing ear! And no promise will ever need to be postponed or renewed because it couldn’t be fulfilled on time—“it will not tarry.”

Come, my soul, can you not wait for your God? Rest in Him and find peace beyond words.