Visions & Dreams (Inspired by Habakkuk 2)

If you were to read Habakkuk 2 for the first time you may tilt your head and wonder.  I did and what God revealed to me in this prophet enriched this season of waiting.   First, let me tell you why God brought this particular bible verse before me.  

I am in a season of waiting….waiting to see what the next move God has for my life.  It is an awkward place to be I might add.  Like a gawky teenager, not knowing what changes are going on inside, being in a place of waiting can have a similar feel.  One move you make will have no sense to it…while another puts you in the path leading you in the right direction.  Though if you are in the place of waiting as I am, as Habakkuk was, you sharpen your skills, draw closer to God, set yourself apart from the earthly things, and watchful for the vision. 

I needed to write down all God was showing me during this time of waiting and keep it in front of me.  God answered Habakkuk this way, “…record the vision, inscribe it on tablets.”

How can we know the vision?  God spoke to Habakkuk and stated, “MAKE IT CLEAR” for everyone to understand!  First, let me say, I needed to daily set myself apart from this world. Whether it was walking without headphones, or sitting quietly in my room with no TV/electronics, I needed to spend quiet time with God.  I needed to stay faithfully in His word, spend time with God quietly so I could hear His whisper’s.   May I note, I would go in with a pen and write it down all God showed me.  Often I can be so busy, even in my prayer life to hear from God; but when I go into prayer with a pen and a notebook expecting to hear from my Father it truly helps.   

Can you remember the last time you asked God a question and waited for a response? Silently waited?   Were there crickets or was there a vision?  A dream? A small gentle whisper, a desire for wanting what God wants for you?  Write it down.  Once I started doing this I was left with the question, “How do I know it is from God and not just me?”  I line it up with God’s word.  Plainly stated but true.  I know God has dreams for me, I know He wants me to use my gifts. 

  In Proverbs 29:18  “Where there is no vision the people will perish (are unrestrained), But happy is he who keeps the law.

The people got away from knowing God.  They had their own idols, their own gods.  There was no vision, they did not have dreams, they walked with sinners, they began to perish.  Though the contrast in this verse states - Those that chose to keep the law was blessed, they practiced justice, righteousness, they sought God with all their hearts, they knew His word.  God speaks to us through His word. 

His Word is the key to seeing and hearing clearly what He is asking of you “next”.  He puts dreams on our hearts and gives us abilities unique to us.  Our saddest day, my saddest day would be when I didn’t use what God has given me, didn’t dream, or believe God for His promises.  

Importantly, do not let the enemy tell you it wasn’t for you.  Do not let him tell you that you are not educated enough, that you are too old, too young, not qualified, etc.

Write down the whispers; talk with God about the visions and dreams that are in your heart.  God will not disappoint you, but like Habakkuk, we need to be patient.

For in the waiting is when the true growth appears.  When I think back to when I first heard the whispers of God and think presently as He unfolds His promises, it can only draw peace as I reflect on His mighty and perfect timing!  Oh if I had my way how shallow I would be.  The riches of walking in righteousness while seeking to hear from Him is a gift alone.  

 I end with this great commentary on Habakkuk 2:1-4 from Henry Matthews –

2:1-4 When tossed and perplexed with doubts about the methods of Providence, we must watch against temptations to be impatient. When we have poured out complaints and requests before God, we must observe the answers God gives by his word, his Spirit, and providences; what the Lord will say to our case. God will not disappoint the believing expectations of those who wait to hear what he will say unto them. All are concerned in the truths of God's word. Though the promised favour be deferred long, it will come at last, and abundantly recompense us for waiting. The humble, broken-hearted, repenting sinner, alone seeks to obtain an interest in this salvation. He will rest his soul on the promise, and on Christ, in and through whom it is given. Thus he walks and works, as well as lives by faith, perseveres to the end, and is exalted to glory; while those who distrust or despise God's all-sufficiency will not walk uprightly with him. The just shall live by faith in these precious promises, while the performance of them is deferred. Only those made just by faith shall live, shall be happy here and for ever.