Living by Faith

…the righteous one will live by his faith.

Habakkuk 2:4

Scholars wonder about the prophet Habakkuk’s name. It’s only used in this Old Testament book, and it’s written in a non-standard Hebraic form. They believe it’s likely related to an extinct eastern language referring to the Habbaququ fruit tree. Imagine his challenge of having such a one-of-a-kind name among his teasing peers. My children can imagine. They carry a Polish last name (containing even more letters) that’s unique to this area of the country. I told them often that their name made them distinctive. 

Habakkuk had a special calling along with his special name—a message for God’s people. It was a message that came from God in answer to Habakkuk’s questions. In fact, God’s response was so poignant that Paul included it in his letter to the Roman and Galatian believers. Even the author of Hebrews repeats it, "…the righteous one will live by his faith" (Hab. 2:4; Rom 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38).

Habakkuk asked the Lord once again, “…You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate those who are treacherous?” (Hab. 1:13). God responded with directions to write down what He’s going to say because God’s judgment will all come to pass in the appointed time. Even if the people don’t understand what God is about to do, they must trust in His goodness. It’s still true. Those who live for God must live by faith—even when they don’t understand what’s happening.

The author of Hebrews wrote of the hardships believers suffered and encouraged them to endure because “the Coming One will come and not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith….” (Heb 10:37-38.) He adds an additional phrase, though, that drives it home. “…and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him.” Because of God’s faithfulness, I am able to have faith. Oh, how I want to please Him! My prayer is that you do, too.

Father, empower me by Your Holy Spirit to live by faith. Even when I don’t understand Your ways, I know You are righteous and all loving. May Your loving grace encourage me to never draw away from this conviction of Your faithfulness, Your righteousness and Your love.

Linda L.