Persevering in Faith: a devotion on faith and hope

From an Africa Study Bible Application note:

Habakkuk knew in his heart that God was a righteous God. However, the circumstances did not seem to support his belief. He was tempted to think that God was tolerating evil and, as such, was not fair. However, he had enough faith to bring his complaint directly to the Lord. The Lord assured him that He was raising up the Babylonians to bring judgement upon the wicked Israelites. 

How could God be fair by using people who were more wicked to punish those who were less wicked? Habakkuk’s faith is illustrated in 2:1 where he states that he will wait to see how the Lord will answer his complaint. The Lord’s answer to the second complaint so completely satisfied Habakkuk that the crisis of faith passed, and Habakkuk expressed in beautiful poetic terms just how confident he was in the goodness and justice of God. 

The tragedies that Africa has suffered—including famines, genocide, inter-ethnic wars, medical pandemics, and failed states—are enough to cause a crisis of faith. Like Habakkuk, take these concerns to God and then wait for the answer. God may not speak verbally, but those who continue to believe in and worship God demonstrate faith of the highest sort. The greatest faith is produced in the most difficult circumstances.

Today:

Think of an injustice or suffering around you that troubles your faith. Bring this issue before God. Pour out your heart — questions, doubts, and fears. At the end of your cry, be silent and listen for what God has to tell you. Be patient, keep listening and resting in God looking for the place when you can finally say with the prophet, “I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”