But the righteous will live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4, NIV 1984).
My Musings – “But” has more than one definition or use. It can be used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned. And a lot has been mentioned in the surrounding text, so clearly that is at least one use of the word here. Live by faith when God seems to be silent. “How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” (Habakkuk 1:2, NIV 1984). Live by faith when God seems to be answering in a way that does not seem to be what you expect. “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate [use] the treacherous [Babylonians]?” (Habakkuk 1:13, NIV 1984).
It can also be used indicate the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated. When God makes a promise, it is an impossibility of anything other than what he promised will happen. “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3, NIV 1984). God is the God of the impossible. When it seems to be impossible, live by faith. “LORD, I have heard of your fame [promises]; I stand in awe of your [impossible] deeds.” (Habakkuk 3:2, NIV 1984).
My Advice – There will be periods of silence in your walk with Christ. Times when how He is working out your situation does not make sense to you. He may even bring the “Babylonians” into your life to work things out. You will be tempted to doubt His goodness. To doubt His willingness. To lose faith. At those times, when things don’t “look” so good, perhaps more than at any other time, it is time to proclaim “we live by faith, not by sight!” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV 1984).
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1, NIV 1984).
The Brew Is A Musing 