Have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation that just keeps getting worse? In the short Old Testament book 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.
Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you in your suffering? Maybe you struggle to see how He’s at work in your situation. 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.
This month we are going to look at the continuing conversation between God and Habakkuk. We will see what it means to live by faith in suffering. We will see the precious promise of God’s reign over all and the joy we have in His salvation.
But today, I want us to remember this: 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 at work even when things are getting worse.
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