Trusting God’s Purpose in the Mystery of History – Reflections on Habakkuk 1:1-11
The Puzzle of God’s Ways
Have you ever looked at the world and wondered what God is doing? Maybe you’ve seen injustice or suffering and asked, “Why does God let this happen?” If so, you’re not alone. The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk felt the same way. In Habakkuk 1:1-11, we find him wrestling with tough questions—questions that many people, even today, want to ask.
This passage invites us to think honestly about the confusion we sometimes feel about God’s ways. Why does He sometimes seem silent? Why does He answer in ways we don’t expect? Instead of pushing us to doubt, these questions can actually help us trust God more deeply.
Habakkuk’s Complaint: Honest Questions from a Faithful Heart
Habakkuk wasn’t a rebel or a scoffer—he was a prophet who loved God and wanted to understand Him better. He saw violence, injustice, and fighting everywhere. He cried out, “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” (Habakkuk 1:2).
What’s important is that Habakkuk brought his real fears and confusion straight to God. He didn’t hide his feelings or pretend everything was fine. Instead, he opened his heart and trusted that God cared enough to listen. For us, this is a good example: God wants us to bring our honest questions to Him.
When God Seems Inactive: The Struggle with Silence
It can be really hard when it feels like God isn’t doing anything, especially when life hurts. Maybe you’ve prayed and nothing seemed to happen, or you’ve watched bad things go on and wondered if God cares. Habakkuk’s complaint sounds a lot like our own: he wanted to know why God seemed absent.
But notice—Habakkuk’s questions come from faith, not disbelief. He’s not shaking his fist at God; he’s reaching out, longing to understand.
God’s Unexpected Answer: Raising Up Babylon
Here’s where things get even more surprising. God does answer Habakkuk—but not in the way he hoped. Instead of promising immediate improvements, God says He’s going to use the Babylonians. They are a powerful and ruthless nation. He will use them to judge the people of Judah for their wrongdoing.
This answer is shocking. Why would God use a nation even more violent than Judah to carry out His plan? It makes no sense to human logic. But God’s ways aren’t always what we expect, and He sometimes works through situations we find hard to understand.
God’s Use of Unusual Means: Lessons from Scripture and History
If we look at the whole Bible, a pattern emerges. God often uses unexpected people and events to fulfill His plans.
· Moses was a fugitive when God called him to lead Israel.
· David was just a young shepherd before he became king.
· Mary was a humble teenager called to bear Jesus.
· Joseph was wrongfully imprisoned, but God used that to save many lives.
Throughout history, God has allowed strange or even troubling events. He does this not because He is cruel. It is because He sees a bigger picture. His wisdom is deeper than ours, and sometimes what seems strange to us is part of His greater purpose.
Human Misunderstanding: Believers and Non-Believers Alike
It’s easy to misunderstand what God is doing, whether you’re a person of faith or not. Some believers lose hope when God’s answers are slow or different from what they expected. Others—maybe people who don’t believe—look at the chaos and think God isn’t real or doesn’t care.
But asking questions doesn’t mean we’ve lost faith. Like Habakkuk, it’s all about bringing our questions to God, trusting that He is good even when we don’t understand.
The Assurance of God’s Sovereignty: Purpose in Mystery
The main message of Habakkuk 1:1-11 is that God is still in control, even when His ways are mysterious. He isn’t ignoring evil or letting history spiral out of control. Even when we can’t see His plan, God is working things out for a reason. God’s “sovereignty” means nothing is too big or too confusing for Him—not even the rise and fall of empires.
Our vision is limited, but we can trust that God’s purposes are always wise, loving, and good.
Conclusion: Embracing Mystery and Drawing Near
Faith doesn’t mean having all the answers. Like Habakkuk, we will struggle, ask hard questions, and wait for God’s reply. The fact that God’s ways sometimes seem strange can actually draw us closer to Him. God invites us to bring our confusion and pain to Him, trusting that—even in mystery—He is working for our good.
So don’t be afraid to ask God your hardest questions. Trust that, even when you don’t understand, He is worthy of your faith. His ways are higher than ours, but His love never fails.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 