The Faith in God; even when you have questions

The book of Habakkuk is a short book in the bible with only three chapters. Within those three chapters, you will find a profound message that stands the test of time and is relevant even today.

Habakkuk, whose name means “one who embraces”, was a minor prophet who questioned God’s silence and apparent lack of His punitive actions to purge his covenant people (Hab. 1:2-4).

The nation was on the verge of abolishing its idolatrous practices but upon the death of the King, they quickly reverted to bad behavior towards God. The nation’s sin was violence and injustice toward the people. No different than what we see in our country today. Violence, iniquity, and trouble plague the world. We see malicious wickedness daily on the news. Neighbors find reasons to morally and ethically oppress their neighbors which results in continuous strife.

Habakkuk was angry with the people but more so with God. “Why do you cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me?” (Hab. 1:3-4).  Habakkuk wanted God to punish the people. Does this sound familiar today?

The more we build a relationship with God the more we realize that God has a plan for us. We also understand God works on His own time schedule. “I will work a work in your days which you would not believe” (Hab. 1:5-11).

Habakkuk’s message not only to the Israel nation but to us, despite our situation, remains strong and faithful in the midst of your affliction and trials (Hab. 2:4). Remember God is embracing us contrary to what your mind may be telling you.

During our continuous journey of growing a relationship with God, we realize faith is not a one-time act. Faith becomes a way of life. The Bible reminds us of God’s miraculous, protective intervention on behalf of the children of Israel. I’m sure we can also recant a few God-protecting miracles in our lives as well.

When we set aside our Woo’s of life and learn to give them to God, it is the first step to recommitment and affirmation of faith which expresses unwavering confidence in God.

For me, I have adopted Habakkuk’s Hymn of Faith as my constant reminder of God’s sufficiency in my life regardless of what I am facing.

               

Though the fig trees may not blossom,

Nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the field yields no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold

And there be no herd in the stalls -

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord!

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength.

He will make my feet like deer’s feet,

He will make me walk my high hills. 

– Habakkuk 3:17-19           

Wisdom is the sound judgment of life

Solomon was wiser than any man of his time. God gave Solomon wisdom, great understanding, and largeness of heart. People came near and far to hear the wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 4:34).

At a very young age, Solomon took his seat as king. It is believed that he was around 20 years old at the time he became king, he was a mere kid.

God said that no man would ever be as wise as Solomon. But we should strive to seek the wisdom to make sound judgments in life. So often we find ourselves in predicaments that require us to have wisdom and because of our childlike minds, in adult bodies, we tend to make irrational decisions. When faced with such situations, one of two things would happen; you will falter or seek guidance. In most cases, people would seek advice from everyone but God. 

Early in Solomon’s reign, he had a vision from God. God told him to ask, “what shall I give you?”  Solomon realized his youthfulness, lack of knowledge, and experience to rule over the people (1 Kings 3:7-8.) As opposed to asking for the obvious – money, and material things, Solomon asked for an understanding heart – wisdom (1 Kings 39).  

While book knowledge has its place, you should always seek the counsel of God in everything that you do. Godlike wisdom supersedes book knowledge. Continuous prayer life and relationship with God, he will not lead you astray. He will order your steps, be a lamp up under your feet, and He will provide you with the knowledge of understanding.

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Promises are not made to be broken

When David was running for his life, he and his best friend Jonathan made a covenant (1 Sam. 18:3) that no matter what happened, David would not cut off his kindness to his family (1 Sam 20:15).

 

David's friend Jonathan his brothers, and King Saul all died in battle, making way for David to become king of all of Israel. As the new king, one of the first things David did was make good on his covenant. He asked if anyone remained in Saul's house; he wanted to show kindness for Jonathan's sake (2 Sam. 9:1)

 

Today, many people make a "covenant" or "promise" and do not fulfill them. At dedication ceremonies for newborns, many families make covenants by making friends and some family members Godparents of their child. The "promise" is to help with the child's religious education, and in case of the parents' untimely demise, step in and care for the child. 

 

In Biblical times, a covenant was a formal promise made under oath. Today a covenant is more like "a promise or guarantee between two parties that are not fulfilled. 

 

David made good on his covenant with Jonathan. He gave Saul's grandson, Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, a seat at the King's table. He restored to Mephibosheth what was rightfully his (2 Sam. 9:7).

 

God made a covenant with His children. Through His covenant, (Heb 8) He promises to bless us as we obey the conditions. Are you fulfilling God’s covenant? What covenants or promises have you made that need to be fulfilled? 

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God’s Sovereignty

 

Naomi had it all; a husband, two sons, and wealth. Inflation hit the land causing Naomi and her family to move, and as opposed to things getting better, they got worse. During turmoil, Naomi's husband and two sons die.

When tragedy strikes, the feeling of hopelessness and doubt creeps in. We look for answers, worry, and even blame God for the calamity.

In the book of Ruth, Naomi was no different. She had reached the point of hopelessness. Naomi felt that the hand of God was against her (Ruth 1:13). Naomi could not see any way out. Naomi's anguish was so bad she changed her name to Mara, which means 'bitter' (Ruth 1:20).

Naomi's story can happen to anyone of us at any given moment. One day you are on top of the world, the next you lose it all - health, wealth, and even family.

How we deal with life situations is entirely up to us. Like Naomi, when tragedy struck, she focused on the situation and did not recognize God's Sovereignty. God provided a friend named Ruth and her relative Boaz (Ruth 2).

Through Ruth's genuine love and friendship, Naomi’s eyes and heart were opened to see and receive God's compassion. Naomi begins to understand God's sovereignty - His love, kindness, and mercy towards her.

No matter how painful your hardship may be, pay attention to the friends who encircle you during your tragedy. These friends could be your Ruth or Boaz working on behalf of God.

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The Delayed Promise of God

When God instructed Samuel to anoint David as king – Saul’s replacement – David was a mere child about 12 years old (1 Sam. 16). From that very day, the ‘Spirit of the Lord’ was on David (1 Sam. 16:13).

Despite the anointing and alignment with God, David faced many giants (1 Sam 17), trials, and pitfalls. Some had David literally running for his life. These obstacles impeded David from his rightful seat on the throne as king. God’s promise was delayed.

Many people have experienced their “David Anointing” but have become bitter, angry, and in many cases, given up all because God is taking too long.

Throughout David’s journey, he could have given up or even taken matters into his own hands. However, David seeks God’s advice. Whenever he strayed from God, David always found his way back to God. Whenever David had opportunities to pursue vengeance or “alter” the outcome he always took the higher road, allowing God to handle the problem.

When David finally took his throne as a king reigning over all of Israel, he was 30 years old (2 Sam 5: 1-5). It took about 15-17 years for God’s promise to become a reality.

What has God promised you? Do you have the endurance and faith to trust and wait on God like David?

Every closed door or broken promise by man is only a temporary setback to your promise. God’s promise to you may be delayed but it will not be denied. God’s promises are always fulfilled, you have to trust God in the process…

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