TRUSTING GOD IN OUR LIMITED UNDERSTANDING

Habakkuk is one of the prophets in the Old Testament. He prophesied when God was about to use the Babylonian empire to destroy the temple and the city of Jerusalem. During his time as a prophet, he saw many people suffering because of wickedness. The wicked people took advantage of the righteous, and he felt that God was not doing anything to stop the situation. Habakkuk asked God, "How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! Violence is everywhere! I cry but you do not come to save (Habakkuk 1:2)." God then answered Habakkuk and told him that He was going to use the Babylonian to punish his people for their wickedness. However, Habakkuk couldn't understand why God would use a nation that was more wicked than his people. So, he asked God. God then told him that He would also punish the Babylonian for their wickedness after punishing his people. God was teaching Habakkuk that God's punishment was for all wicked people, regardless of what nation they came from. As Habakkuk heard God's answers to his questions, Habakkuk prayed, "I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy (Habakkuk 3:2)." 

Habakkuk shows us that God is approachable and willing to listen to our questions as long as we are open to accepting His answers. Although Habakkuk felt that God seemed silent and uninvolved in this world's wickedness, the truth is that God always has a plan to confront evil, and His justice will come. Just like Habakkuk, we can ask God whatever questions we have with humbleness and reverence. We may not understand what He is doing in this world and in our lives, but He is always at work for our own good. God is not intimidated or offended by our sensitive questions, but we have to be willing to listen. Habakkuk 2:4 says, "Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God." 

As believers, we need to live by our faithfulness to God, even when we do not fully understand His overall plan. We may feel like God is not doing anything or not intervening on our behalf; however, God is always by our side, working behind the scenes to work out His plan in this world and in our lives. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What must I do when I do not understand what God is doing in my life? Do I trust God's faithfulness even when I do not understand what He is doing? What is God encouraging me to do today in relation to today's devotion?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for being so approachable. Please help me to trust in your faithfulness even when I do not understand your overall plan for my life. Please help me to live faithfully to you, for you are my God, who loves and cares for me. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.