The scripture tells us we are saved by faith, but our faith isn’t something we use like an insurance policy. We are not to live our life and then upon our death reap the benefits of that faith. Living by faith requires us to actually live daily by faith, showing this through our actions as we look to and for God for daily direction and guidance.

The Book of Habakkuk is an example of living by faith, as it allows us to see the behind the scenes conversation between Habakkuk and God.  We have an inside view into Habakkuk’s heart as he talks to God. In Habakkuk 1:2 – “Oh Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Even cry out to You, ‘Violence!’ and You will not save.” We see Habakkuk’s complaint, asking God why and even asking God why are you not doing something about it?  God does not become afraid or nervous about these complaints or questions, but responds to Habakkuk in verse 5-6. This scripture tells us God’s reply, that God is working a work and in the appropriate time what Habakkuk cries to the Lord about will see a resolution. God says to watch and be utterly astounded.

 

After hearing this answer Habakkuk says, yes Lord I will wait and see, and he accepts that he may not be privy to the entire vision, but he has faith in what God is saying. God is saying that I am doing something even greater than what you think.

Habakkuk 2:2 – “Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”

 

The vision at the end will surely come, and it is to be made plain for those to read it and run with it, or put it into action, as it will come to pass at the appointed time. God is saying to write down the vision that He has impressed upon your heart. Giving you insight on what you need to do to get to the bigger picture. God is still at work on the vision and it has time associated with it, and it is up to us to be sensitive to God’s bigger picture.

“Don’t let your season come around and you’re not baring fruit.” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson.

In writing the vision that God has impressed upon our heart, it is our responsibility to be prepared when the time comes. When the time comes, make sure you are not wasting the season and you are prepared to take action.

“Time is so easy to waste…but once it’s gone you can never get it back.” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson.

Habakkuk 2:4 – “Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.”  Faith is what we have to live by while we wait on the vision promised by God. God is going to do what He says He will do. We have the responsibility to ensure we are not wasting the moment and are baring fruit when the appointed time comes.

 

How Do We Live by Faith?

We Must First HEAR the Lord

Before we trust we must hear the word. If we don’t hear the word, being fed the scripture, how do we trust.

We Must OBEY the Lord

Hebrews 11:8 gives us the example of Abraham who went out by faith not knowing where he was going. God was not obligated to give Abraham all the details. But we see that Abraham simply obeyed the Lord, using his faith.

We Must WAIT on the Lord

Psalm 37:7 tells us to be of good courage and He shall strengthen you. Often times we want God to operate on our timetable. Sometimes we get into trouble trying to get ahead of God in reaching the promise, instead of waiting patiently on the Lord.

 

 

We Must TRUST the Lord

Proverbs 3:5-6 admonishes us to trust God from the bottom of our hearts, and lean not to our own understanding. We must listen for God’s voice everywhere we go, for He will keep us on track. That may require us to shut out some of the noise that prevents us from hearing God. It may require us to get quiet and listen for the Lord, getting direction and insight.

“Having an ear to hear is where it all begins.” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson

In conclusion, we are to live by faith daily involving ourselves in seeking the Lord and His word for guidance. Our faith is built upon our trust in the Lord, and our patience is a reflection of that trust and that faith. We must not be idle but be prepared to obey and take action when the appointed time comes. We must be in a position to hear the Lord, be willing to obey the Lord, wait on the Lord and trust in the Lord, as we actively live by faith.