In my quiet time the past two weeks, I have really been focusing on this tiny book, Habakkuk, which is squeezed between two other tiny books, Nahum and Zephaniah. I know, I know… you’re thinking, really??
Yes, really. & I am loving it.
In the first two chapters, you see Habakkuk posing some difficult questions to God. He is upset and wondering why bad things keep happening and why evil seems to be winning. You immediately see God’s response to Habakkuk’s first question: “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.”
God’s response is incredibly encouraging – I am working.
We may not always see or feel God working, but He is – beyond our understanding. “For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told”
Then, in chapter two, you see God answering Habakkuk’s second question. God says, be patient and trust in me.
“For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end-it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith”
So often, we want God to answer our questions or give us what we want in our timing. His timing is incredibility perfect and we can know that, but sometimes, it is harder to come to terms with in our lives.
Next, in chapter three, we see Habakkuk responding with praise to God for answering his questions and he gives all the glory to God.
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”
As I am walking through this time of sadness and questioning, I love God’s response. & I will fully trust in it.
I am working.
Be patient and trust in me.
Praise and have joy in me.