Learning faith from chaos
Have you ever looked around at the world and wondered, “Why is everything so messed up?” If so, you’re not alone. The prophet Habakkuk had similar thoughts when he saw his nation, Judah, surrounded by chaos, injustice, and ungodliness. But rather than staying silent, Habakkuk voiced his concerns to God. The answers he received were both surprising and deeply challenging.
The Problem Habakkuk Faced
Habakkuk was heartbroken over the condition of his people. Judah was a mess—violence, corruption, and strife were everywhere. Habakkuk asked God to step in and fix things, but when God answered, it wasn’t what the prophet expected. God revealed He would use Babylon, a wicked and ruthless nation, to punish Judah. Naturally, Habakkuk was confused. How a good and just God use an even worse nation to discipline His people?
God’s Response: Trust and Patience
God didn’t leave Habakkuk hanging in confusion. Instead, He gave him a clear message:
Write It Down
God instructed Habakkuk to write down His answer. This was so future generations understand it. “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2). This shows how important it is to have God’s wisdom accessible for everyone—even us today!
God’s Timing is Perfect
God explained that everything was happening according to His perfect plan. He said, “If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:3). Basically, trust God’s timing. Even when things don’t make sense or seem delayed, God is never late; He’s always right on schedule.
Faith Over Fear
One of the biggest lessons from God’s response is this: the righteous person lives by faith. Trusting God, especially when life seems upside down, is the key to finding hope and peace. On the other hand, arrogance and self-reliance lead to trouble.
God’s Bigger Picture
God reminded Habakkuk that He is in control of history. Nothing that happens is outside God’s plan. He reassured Habakkuk that ultimately, everything is moving toward a day when justice will reign. People will stand before God, and He will reward those who lived by faith while holding the wicked accountable.
Judgment on Babylon
God would use Babylon for His purposes. But, He made it clear that Babylon wouldn’t get away with its evil ways. Their greed, violence, idolatry, and indulgence would bring about their downfall. God’s judgment wasn’t random—it made sense. Babylon’s own wickedness would lead to their collapse. For example:
· Their excessive drinking and recklessness would leave them vulnerable.
· Their greed and ambition would end in dissatisfaction and ruin.
· Their violence would backfire, leading to their own destruction.
· Their lifeless idols would fail them when confronted with the living God.
God’s ultimate goal wasn’t just to punish Babylon. He intended to fill the earth with His glory. “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).
What We Can Learn
Habakkuk’s story has timeless lessons for all of us:
· God is in control: Even when life feels chaotic, God has a plan.
· Trust His timing: Things may seem slow or confusing, but God’s timing is perfect.
· Live by faith: Trusting God, even when we don’t understand everything, is the foundation of a strong, righteous life.
Final Reminder
God ended His message to Habakkuk with a powerful statement. He said, “But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him” (Habakkuk 2:20). This is a reminder that God is always in control, watching over everything from His heavenly throne. Instead of questioning Him, we are invited to trust Him and live with faith.
Conclusion
Habakkuk’s journey shows us that it’s okay to bring our concerns to God—even our confusion and doubts. God’s answers are not always what we expect, but they are always perfect. Like Habakkuk, we are called to trust that God is working things out for His glory. We must also believe it is for our good, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting the One who does.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 