Debating God

Today’s reading is Habukkuk 1.

Habakkuk was a prophet of the Lord who was struggling with God’s plan. Instead of running from God he shared his concerns very vocally with the Almighty.  He was willing to ask hard questions and wait for a response.  In Habakkuk 1:5 God responded, “Look at the nations and be amazed! Watch and be astounded at what I will do! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.” God then goes on to tell Habakkuk about the Babylonians and how he will use them to bring about His plan. This is still a concern for Habukkuk and he continues to debate God’s actions. And God responds again to his questioning with plans that are far beyond what he could hope or imagine.

In the end, Habakkuk is brought to greater faith in the Almighty and he puts his trust in God’s plans. When you are upset with the way God is moving in your life do you let it pull you away or do you dig in to your faith?

Practice personalizing Habakkuk 1:5 in times of questioning God’s actions.

“I will look at the nations and be amazed! I will watch and be astounded at what you will do! For you are doing something in my day, something I wouldn’t believe even if someone told me about it.”

God’s ways are not our ways….but prayer (and sometimes prayerful debate) brings us closer to the heart of God and His plans. It increases our faith.

Habakkuk 3:17 “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.”.

Shelly