Living by Faith: 5 Lessons From the Book of Habakkuk a 5-Day Devotional by Dwan Dixonਨਮੂਨਾ

Lesson 3: Waiting on God

We all have prayed for something but have yet to receive an answer from the Lord. For me, marriage has been that prayer—a desire I’ve held onto for a long time. While I’m grateful for the single life God has given me, that longing remains. Waiting on God is one of the most challenging aspects of the Christian journey. Waiting feels unnatural in a culture driven by instant gratification, where we can get almost anything immediately. It can make us impatient and frustrated because we want results now. Yet, God works on a different timeline, one that’s always better than we can imagine.

When Habakkuk brought his second complaint to God, he positioned himself to wait for an answer: "I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There, I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.” Habakkuk‬ 2‬:1‬ (NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Waiting on God is an opportunity for growth. During these seasons, our faith is stretched and refined. As we trust God’s timing, we learn His plans are always perfect. When God moves, everything falls into place with precision and purpose. Waiting teaches us to rely on Him and to recognize His goodness in the here and now.

In the waiting, it is vital to seek the Lord intentionally. Daily communion with God through prayer and studying His Word helps us remain grounded. While Habakkuk heard God’s audible voice, we have the written Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our faith deepens as we allow Scripture and the Holy Spirit to shape our lives. We learn to live faithfully for a God who is always faithful to us.

Though waiting may last years, it is filled with opportunities to witness God’s grace and goodness daily. May it be said of us during these times: “But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God” Habakkuk 2:4 (NLT).

Reflect

What are you currently waiting on God for in your life? How are you using this waiting period?

In what ways has your faith grown during this time?