Have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation that just keeps getting worse? I know I’ve felt this way for most of this year, and you probably have, too. 2020 is providing so much content for both memes and history books as life as we know it has changed.
This month, I’d like to revisit one of my favorite Old Testament prophets, Habakkuk. He lived a long time ago, but if we could sit down with him over a latte, we’d find we have a lot in common.
In the short book of Habakkuk, we get to hear a conversation between the prophet and God. Habakkuk cries out to God because of the wickedness and oppression he sees around him and begs God to intervene (Habakkuk 1:1-4). Then the Lord replies:
“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.” (Habakkuk 1:5)
This sounds like just the answer Habakkuk is looking for, right? But then we keep reading. God goes on to say that He’s going to bring in the Chaldeans (aka, the Babylonians) and that they are even more violent and wicked than the current Assyrian oppressors.
Wait, what?! I can only imagine the look on Habakkuk’s face as he absorbs this news. Things are bad, and they’re getting worse.
I feel a little like Habakkuk right now – and maybe you do, too. Maybe you struggle to see God at work in your circumstances. You’ve prayed and begged and pleaded but it feels like God hasn’t shown up.
When Habakkuk hears this discouraging response from the Lord, he reminds himself of the truth of God’s character. He affirms God’s eternality, holiness, sovereignty, and love for justice (Habakkuk 1:12-17). He trusts God to work in a way consistent with His character.
Habakkuk 1:5 gives us this important reminder: God is at work. It’s not always the answer we’re hoping for. But our God rules over the nations and over every day of our lives. He never stops working in a way that is consistent with His character. He is faithful in all that He does.
No matter what you face this week, God is still working even when things are getting worse.
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I joined your blog today which was where God was leading me. I am so blessed to have listened toHim at this very moment. How blessed your word were for this hurting soul.. This coupled with “THE FIRST FIVE” study today, this helped me exhale and leave my grief at the cross! Amen and thank you Jesus.
Hi Victoria, I’m so glad God brought you here for refreshment and encouragement from His Word! Thank you so much for letting me know. He is so faithful!