2008-09-08 - Habakkuk: Promises, Promises

Through faith, Habakkuk gained what was promised. (Habakkuk1-3, Hebrews 11:32-33)

"Look at the nations and watch - and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." (Habakkuk 1:5 NIV)

God, how long is this going to go on? When will You answer my prayer? Why do You let this violence and strife continue? The prophet Habakkuk didn't hold anything back from God. He asked the sovereign Lord how the treacherous people around him could go unpunished. He wondered how God could sit back and do nothing. Habakkuk wanted God to end the torment, horror, and perversion of his day. Habakkuk received an answer and promise from his Lord.

God told him to continue looking, for things would improve in his lifetime. He found comfort communicating with the Lord. Although the world the prophet lived in was bleak, Habakkuk still praised God and expected relief to eventually come.

Habakkuk comes full circle in his short Bible book. His emotions range from misery, relief, fear, to peace. He isn't the same gloomy man readers are first introduced to; he has hope in God. What changed? Reassurance from the Lord that although society won't immediately change, there is hope on the horizon. God's words brought contentment to Habakkuk. They can comfort us when we see injustice overpowering what is right and good in the world.

\Lord, I stake my claim on Your amazing and undeniable words. They steady me. You say You are about to do something I won't believe unless I see it with my own eyes. I wonder what it could be? I know it will be something wonderful. I will continue to praise You in the midst of difficult and overwhelming situations. You, Lord have given me hope and strength to continue. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org

http://www.cfdevotionals.org
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