What We Can Learn from an Ancient Conversation
Habakkuk isn’t the most famous book in the Bible, but its message is just as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. Let’s break it down in everyday language:
Habakkuk: A Man with Honest Questions
Most people imagine prophets as people who always have all the answers, but Habakkuk is different. He’s disturbed and confused by all the wrong things happening around him—especially the bad behavior of his own people. Instead of running away or pretending everything is fine, Habakkuk goes straight to God and asks, “Why aren’t you doing something about all this?”
God’s Surprising Response
God doesn’t give Habakkuk a quick solution. Instead, God tells him to write down what’s going to happen in the future in big, clear letters so that anyone passing by can read it—even someone running by in a hurry! (Habakkuk 2:2)
God’s message boils down to this: Justice is coming, but you have to wait for it. If it feels like it’s taking a long time, don’t lose hope—“it will surely come, it will not delay.” In other words, God’s timing isn’t always our timing, but He keeps His promises.
What About the Bad Guys?
God reassures Habakkuk that those who act with pride or prosper by doing wrong—cheating, violence, or cruelty—won’t get away with it forever. There are five strong statements (called “woes”) where God says that people and nations who seem to succeed through injustice will face judgment. In simple terms: you might see people who seem to win by doing the wrong thing, but their success is only temporary.
The Key to Living Right: Faith
In the middle of all this, God gives a piece of advice that’s so important, it’s quoted several times in the New Testament (Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews): “The righteous will live by their faith.” This means that even when life doesn’t make sense, and even when justice seems slow, we’re called to trust God’s bigger plan.
Wait with Patience—and Hope
God tells Habakkuk—and us—that waiting is part of faith. If things aren’t changing as quickly as we’d like, it doesn’t mean God isn’t listening or doesn’t care. “If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come.” (Habakkuk 2:3) Patience and trust go hand-in-hand.
Judgment and Grace
It’s easy to forget that God’s judgment is a part of His love for what’s right. But Habakkuk also reminds us that God’s mercy and grace last a lifetime. God’s justice may be slow by our standards, but His kindness and patience are much greater than we can imagine.
From Questions to Praise
Habakkuk doesn’t end his story with frustration. Instead, he moves from doubt and worry into prayers and songs of praise. In the end, he chooses to trust that God is in control, even when he doesn’t have all the answers.
Takeaway: It’s okay to have questions and even doubts, just like Habakkuk did. But God invites us to bring those questions to Him, trust His timing, and live by faith—even when life is confusing. Remember, justice and mercy both have their place in the story, and in the end, God’s promises always stand.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 