Then the Lord answered and said:
“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
that he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.
“Behold the proud,
His soul is not upright in him;
But the just shall live by his faith.
Habakkuk 2:2-4
I spent a good amount of my Tuesday morning and evening in God’s word. From God’s word I found myself trying to educate myself on natural cures to avoid a repeat of the last few weeks. With the knowledge that healing is on the way, it is a must that I make sure I am equipped and ready for a change. As I was studying God’s word I received a text that said, Meanwhile, we walk by faith. Those simple words resonated with me. It turned my attention to doing a self inventory and it made me realize that instead of actively trusting I’ve been watchfully waiting.
What do you mean Whitnee’? What the difference?
Watchfully waiting is an approach doctors take when they watch and see how your body handles certain conditions. They set up appointments where they use medical instruments to observe and collect statistical data before making a decision. So in a nutshell, man has his hands in this and depending on what he finds, there is a variation of results or actions that will be taken. On the other hand actively trusting (biblically speaking) means that man relinquishes control (even though we don’t have any in the first place), trusting in God’s timing, and keeping our eyes on Jesus no matter what’s going on around us.
There are so many scriptures that talk about what it means to wait but I was drawn to the Book of Habakkuk.
Did you know? Habaqquq is a Hebrew name, derived from the verb habaq, which means embrace. Scholars say Habakkuk means “one who embraces or clings.”
How many of us want to cling to the Lord?
🤚🏽✋🏼🤚🏾🤚🏼🤚🏿🖐🏽
I’ve been in a season of waiting and I’ve been in seasons when I focused on keeping my eyes on God but I admit I’ve fallen short. I’ve allowed insecurities, unbelief, doubt, fear, and the inability to relinquish control I never had in the first place to drift.
I’ve told y’all my daddy’s saying, “a hard head makes a soft behind.” I’ve been transparent and admitted to being hard headed. I’ve admitted that it’s never me doubting God that He couldn’t do it or wouldn’t do it but looking at myself through man’s eyes and never feeling worthy of His grace, never feeling like I was enough or good enough for Him to “do it for me.”
Anyone had those feelings? Have you read God’s word and saw the Beautiful creation you are in Christ? Were you comforted knowing God makes no mistakes and the purpose He has for you is for greatness?
As we/I/you shift from watchfully waiting to actively trusting God I want you to know that winds will blow, storms will come, tribulations will arise BUT we must be just and walk by faith.
The Bible tells us Isaiah 40:31, they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
Patience is one of the fruits of the spirit. The Bible tells us that we must seek God and rest in His promises.
I don’t know what God is saying to you if you are in a season of waiting but God has told me to BE STILL. He has told me to cast my fears on Him. My stress level has been up and it’s affected my hormones and it is proof that I’ve been praying while being anxious and still wanting to be in control.
Never realized how much of a control freak I was or can be (God is still working on me) until He humbled me and stripped me showing me He is and always will be in control and no matter how much I try to influence the outcome, it is His will and not mine. So I have to pray for Whitnee’ to step aside. I have to pray to get out of my head and let God be God and realize He never did or never will need my permission. Let’s just say, I’ve been in timeout.
Am I the only one that feels as though waiting is hard or you would consider oneself to be inpatient?
Scripture helps me to know I’m not alone. This isn’t a new problem and just as God had a way of correcting people back then, He still does for His people today.
Habukkuk was a prophet who had to deal with some hardheaded folks (sounds familiar?!). At one point He asked God how long would the conditions last? Unlike some of us, Habukkuk didn’t try to handle it his way because he didn’t see eye to eye with God’s plan, no he just put his faith in God’s hands. Though Habukkuk didn’t quite understand God’s ways, the Bible tells us that he praised God and thanked Him for His wisdom.
A Hymn of Faith
Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls-
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will find joy in the God of my salvation.
the Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habukkuk 3:17-19
A word to the wise: Even when God seems distant, silent, or when you have feelings of hopelessness, trust God!
These words from my sister meant the world to me:
It sounds like a brand new level of a breakthrough has happened for Whitnee & Rico Spry!! God is always calling us out deeper and sometimes it feels like we’re drowning and then… there are those moments when our eyes are locked with Jesus and all is well, no matter the wind and the waves! I feel that from you, Whitnee!
When we go from watchfully waiting to actively trusting God brings about a peace that surpasses all understanding. You don’t worry about the winds and the waves as my sweet sister noted, you just keep your eyes focused and locked with Jesus.
Amen somebody.
I find encouragement in God’s word and I found hope and strength in reading the Book of Habukkuk. When you have the time, I would suggest you too read these 3 short chapters and allow God’s word to strengthen you on your journey in Christ.
It’s time to stop running from Jesus and run to Him. It’s time to put self aside and lock in with Christ. It’s time to stop looking at what is going wrong and praise the One who can fix it! It’s time to stop doubting, cancel confusion, be patient and stop being so anxious, it’s time to focus on God instead of all the troubles of this world. Listen to Mahalia Jackson’s Troubles of this world.
We are not perfect (God knows I’m not)! We make mistakes, we fall short BUT God is a God of grace, mercy and forgiveness. Even when God judges us for our sins and wrongdoings, He still shows us mercy. Praise the Lord somebody!
🎶 Get your house in order. Do it today. Get your house in order for Jesus is coming… 🎶
I want y’all to know God is an on time God. He doesn’t work on our time table and His timing is not our own. Let us strive to be like Habukkuk relying not on our own merit or doing things our way because we get disappointed He doesn’t move how and when we want Him to, but trusting His plan and knowing He remains faithful- even in our suffering He is a just and faithful God.
Help me/us/them to rejoice in the Lord, and to find joy in the God of our salvation.
“Disappointments are inevitable; discouragement is a choice,” Author unknown.
It’s time for us to BE STILL. PAUSE. 🛑 STOP and seek God for the answer, ask Him for discernment and direction on how He would have you to go. It’s too many of us relying on what’s in front of us (what we are facing) instead of truly seeking God and actively trusting- and we find ourselves in a mental rut. God is saying to us focus on Him and not what’s going on (yes stay woke but don’t be consumed by it) and find freedom and peace in Him. His love brings peace and His grace is sufficient. Let’s renew ourselves in God’s love.
God has great things in store! Actively seek Him. Trust Him. Push past disappointment and past hurt and focus on God’s plan for your future. We serve an abundant God who provides beyond the times of food scarcity, rough times, and uncertainty. Get out of your feelings and spend time fasting, praying, and the reading of His word.
My prayer is God grant you peace, love, joy, good health, happiness, renewal of mind, and prosperity as you actively trust Him and His plan for your lives. Be blessed!
Yes. I felt this one. I think… no I feel as though it is very hard waiting especially when you are experiencing pain, troubles of this world, heartache…..I can only imagine how Job felt then again I can’t. I would want to fathom his pain but I only want to remain obedient and loyal and faithful to God because in the end we will get our reward. I see myself coming out as that Director of Operations in my red Porsche. I think back to 2008 when it was just me and Daisy. I was in cross road apartments and I had fallen to my knees because I was upset with myself because I had fallen to sin. In my head I was thinking Now the Lord is screaming out to you When? When? Are you going to stop and obey me? It’s funny how you remember things. But I believe my spirit was convicting me telling me this is wrong and you have to change. I think back to that song Running Back to you by Commissioned. And it’s so true. The Lord never leaves us, It is us who leave but we come running back to you Oh Lord with Your Arms opened wide. I thank you Lord right now for mercy Lord. You are a forgiving Gid and I thank you. And it’s time that I stand in obedience to you oh God. It’s time that I I just Stand whole in this waiting room. Like Pastor Hobbs say, we have got to praise and worship while we are in the waiting room no matter what it looks like. I am ready to what I need to do for me and my family. I am ready to do what I need to do to be successful in my Gods eyes. Amen.
Amen!!
Blessings upon your journey!