Faith and Appearances
"Do not be discouraged by present appearances. The sunshine is behind the cloud. ‘For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it" (Habakkuk 2:3For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
See All...). ‘The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,’ but we are hasty in looking for it. (Compare 2Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
See All... with Isaiah 5:19That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!
See All...; Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
See All...) The failing of our eyes is the impatience of the will, ‘limiting God’ (Psalm 78:41Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.
See All...) to our own time, ways, and means. Faith may be exercised in not seeing his reasons—not being able to harmonize his promises with his providences, or his outward dispensations with his Divine perfections. (Jeremiah 12:1Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?
See All...) But let us leave this to him, and be ‘still, and know that he is God.’ (Psalm 46:10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
See All...) We shall find in the end , that perseverance in waiting has turned to double advantage."