Christianity Oasis Forum

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February 3 | Bible in a Year: Exodus 31-33; Matthew 22:1-22

Waiting for a Blessing


READ HABAKKUK 1:12–2:4
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Though it linger, wait for it.
Habakkuk 2:3
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A popular restaurant in Bangkok serves soup from a broth that has been cooking for forty-five years and is replenished a bit each day. The practice, called “perpetual stew,” dates back to medieval times. Just as some “leftovers” taste better a few days later, the extended cooking time blends and creates unique flavors. The restaurant has won multiple awards for the most delicious broth in Thailand.

Good things often take time, but our human nature struggles with patience. The question “How long?” occurs throughout the Bible. One poignant example is from the prophet Habakkuk, who begins his book by asking, “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” (Habakkuk 1:2). Habakkuk (whose name means “grappler”) prophesied God’s judgment on his country (Judah) through the invasion of the ruthless Babylonian Empire, and he wrestled with how God could allow corrupt people to prosper as they exploited others. But God promised hope and restoration in His own time: “For the revelation [of God’s help] awaits an appointed time . . . . Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay” (2:3).
The Babylonian captivity lasted seventy years. By human reckoning that’s a long time, but God is always faithful and true to His Word.

Some of God’s best blessings may be long in coming. Though they linger, keep looking to Him! He prepares every blessing with perfect wisdom and care—and He’s always worth waiting for.
By James Banks
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**REFLECT & PRAY
Abba, Father, thank You for Your kindness and faithfulness in every season and blessing of life. Help me to look forward to You most of all.

~~What blessings are you waiting for from God? How do you plan to worship Him regardless of when blessings come?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SCRIPTURE INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
The prophecy of Habakkuk is more than 2,600 years old, yet the prophet spoke for us all when he asked God, “Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?” (1:3). Habakkuk realized the people of Judah must be judged for rejecting God, but the Babylonians, who inflicted the judgment, were even worse. How could God use them? God sees all evil and will judge it. He called Babylon “guilty people, whose own strength is their god” (v. 11). God reminded His people that “the righteous person will live by his faithfulness” (2:4). To turn away from this life-affirming choice will lead to despair. Tim Gustafson

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