Habakkuk 2:1-3
1. I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.”
Habakkuk 2:2
2. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”
Habakkuk 2:3
3. 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; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 is a call to mature perseverance, not a rebuke for immaturity.
Paul writes, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…”
This verse comes after a rich teaching on resurrection and victory through Christ.
It’s a charge to remain faithful and fruitful, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain2.
1 Corinthians 3:1–2, on the other hand, is a gentle rebuke for spiritual infancy.
Paul says, “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready…”
Here, he’s addressing the Corinthians’ lack of spiritual maturity—they were still caught in jealousy, division, and worldly thinking4.
| Verse | Theme | Spiritual Condition |
| 1 Corinthians 3:1–2 | Immaturity and division | Spiritual infancy due to lack of depth in the Word |
| 1 Corinthians 15:58 | Encouragement and endurance | Spiritual maturity and steadfastness in ministry |
In Habakkuk 2, the prophet models steadfast waiting, but that posture isn’t without its obstacles.
For a spiritual watchman, here are some of the most common barriers to waiting well:
Impatience with Divine Timing
- The vision “tarries,” and we often interpret delay as denial.
- Like Saul in 1 Samuel 13, we may act prematurely out of fear or pressure, forfeiting divine favor for human control.
- Waiting requires trust that God’s silence is not absence—but preparation.
Mental and Emotional Fatigue
- Constant vigilance can wear down discernment.
- The watchman must remain alert even when nothing seems to be happening—this can lead to spiritual burnout if not anchored in rest and renewal.
Pressure from Others
- People may demand action, clarity, or decisions before God speaks.
- The watchman often stands alone in conviction, misunderstood by those who prefer movement over stillness.
False Revelation or Misinterpretation
- In the absence of clear instruction, there’s temptation to fill the silence with our own ideas or assumptions.
- The danger isn’t just in acting too soon—but in acting on something God never said.
Lack of Spiritual Posture
- Habakkuk didn’t just wait—he positioned himself on the tower, expectant and ready.
- If we’re not spiritually postured to receive, we may miss the instruction even when it comes.
Watchman Nee once wrote that “our flesh is too quick to move.” That’s the heart of it, isn’t it?
The obstacle isn’t just external—it’s internal.
The discipline of waiting is a crucible where faith is refined, pride is broken, and obedience is forged.
