The Ramparts Walking Tour in Jerusalem, Israel is a unique experience that allowed me to walk on the 2,000–4,000 year old stone walls of the Old City. The September 2018 prayer walk offered a unique perspective of Jerusalem, with views of the Old City, the new city, the Temple Mount and more. Psalms 122:6 says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.” What an awesome opportunity to pray onsite with insight!
As I reflect on this life changing experience of standing on the ramparts and overlooking the walls of Jerusalem, countless scriptures come to mind. One that resonates deeply is Habakkuk 2:1, which says:
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
In Hebrew, this scripture means that the prophet Habakkuk will remain alert and wait for the Lord to provide an answer. Standing is often interpreted as a sign of being steadfast, not giving in, and actively taking a position on something. The verse uses multiple expressions to signify watching, being positioned like a watchman on a tower. When I observed the ancient walls of Jerusalem, you can still see the many watchtowers and positions for watchmen.
Habakkuk asks God, then waits in faith expecting God to give him an answer. The prophet is a great role model. He knew a little something about waiting on God! Although his story is one from thousands of years ago, the lessons his story teaches are still relevant today. Especially today in our “Give me what I want NOW!” culture.
Most of us hate to wait. Waiting takes patience, and patience is a virtue that can be in very short supply. We expect to get answers to prayers at lightning speeds, and when we don’t, we become anxious and sometimes lose hope. We want God to be instantaneous, a God who gives us what we want, when we want it, and how we want it. Habakkuk 2:1 serves as a powerful reminder to actively wait on God's response to our prayers, positioning ourselves like a watchman on the tower, attentively looking for His answer with unwavering faith, even when we don't immediately see it. We must trust that God will speak and guide us, even amidst uncertainty and challenges.
The act of waiting is an act of submitting to God’s timetable, which sends a message to the enemy of our souls. James writes , “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you," in James 4:7. Our waiting on God says we’re standing firm in our belief that God will act. We’re resisting the devil’s temptation to be impatient and thus enforcing the victory we have over him. Through waiting, Habakkuk comes to realize that ultimately God is Sovereign and more powerful than any enemy. Habakkuk is encouraged and strengthened. God can be trusted to handle the situation.
Likewise, through waiting, we realize God is Sovereign. We’re encouraged and strengthened by the process. We can be at peace, knowing we can have faith in God’s timing even when it's difficult. Standing and waiting is reminder that God's plan for us is best, and that He will provide for us in His own time.
Psalm 27:14 says “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.”
Will you please pray with me now?
Father, we are encouraged to know that Habakkuk’s name means “one who embraces.” Help us to embrace waiting and not to despise it. Grant us the grace to remain steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in Your work. May we not loose heart, remain on our post and Stand firm upon your Words of Hope. Thank you for Psalms 30:5 “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." We stand in the truth of Habakkuk 2:3, “For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie." In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
With Great Expectations,
Gwen Bradley
National Liaison for Prayer Mobilization and Partnerships
Southeast National Area Leader
