"how long, o lord?" (hb 1:2)
"I cry for help but You do not listen! I cry out to You, 'Violence!' but You do not intervene." —Habakkuk 1:2
Many of you have been praying for a long time and as far as you can tell God hasn't done anything. In fact, things may have gotten worse. Ruin, misery, destruction, violence, "strife, and clamorous discord" (Hb 1:3) are your daily menu. You're ready to quit or maybe you already have. You're making one last gasp in prayer, hoping against hope that God may move in your life and have mercy.
The Lord's answer to you is: "Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint" (Hb 2:2-3). No matter how long it takes, wait in faith, "it will surely come, it will not be late" (Hb 2:3).
"Stir into flame the gift of God" bestowed when "hands were laid on you" (2 Tm 1:6). "Beloved, grow strong in your holy faith through prayer in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20). Be confirmed in the Holy Spirit. "For there is One greater in you than there is in the world" (1 Jn 4:4). Jesus may not come when you want Him, but He's always right on time.
Prayer: Heavenly Father and crucified Jesus, send the Holy Spirit to "increase our faith" (Lk 17:5).
Promise: "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this sycamore, 'Be uprooted and transplanted into the sea,' and it would obey you." —Lk 17:6
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who restored and renewed our vision of His glory. Alleluia to our glorified Redeemer!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Hope for the Hopeless on audio AV 63-1 or video V-63.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 2007
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