This post is Day 12 in a series of studies about “Habakkuk”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Habakkuk – Day 12

Christians and Jews are still considered enemies to many people across the world! The answer to that problem is still the same as it was for Habakkuk. The righteous person will live by his faith. The alternative translation works well too. The righteous person will live by HIS faithfulness.

Habakkuk 2:4

“See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness (or faith).

The Thought

God listened to Habakkuk’s prayers, and picked up on the subject of “the enemies” that were the reason for Habakkuk’s appeal. All through their existence, God’s chosen people have had enemies. These people were satan’s tool to bring challenge and frustration to the people of God. Sadly the same type of people exist today, still trying to frustrate God’s people, and His plans.

Christians and Jews are still considered “enemies” to many people across the world, those whose desires are not upright! The answer to that problem is still the same as in Habakkuk’s time. – “the righteous person will live by his faith.” The alternative translation works well too. “the righteous person will live by HIS faithfulness”. The faithfulness of God, which will never fail us.

This expression, the righteous person will live by his faithfulness (or faith) is quoted directly at least 5 times in the New Testament writings. (Romans 1:17, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Galatians 2:20 & 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38) and a study of those verses suggests to us that “living” is not just breathing, but having a full active life. The Hebrew word is “chayah” which is also translated as recover, restore and flourishing.

Action

Think today about what “to live” means for you. Is life exciting and flourishing?

Ask yourself how much you live by your faith, or by God’s faithfulness. Is there a difference?

Praise God for His faithfulness in carrying you through difficult times and for any recent answers to prayer that you have recognised.

Pray for an increase in your own faith as you wait for some of your prayers to be answered. Pray for the joy of the Lord to be your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).