For you and for me 

I wonder how often you’ve felt the way Habakkuk did – that life’s just not fair. I’m sure you feel that way sometimes. We all do! 

But here’s something to think about: it’s in the difficult situations that God prunes us of the things in our lives that shouldn’t be there so that new growth can come. And from new growth come the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).

We need to get that revelation today. Everybody goes through injustice, violence, pain, hurts, losses, things that just aren’t fair in life. And our natural human instinct is to remove the source of pain and discomfort. So we cry out, “God, how long are you going to let this happen?” 

And God, knowing the bigger picture, answers, “In My time”.

Have a listen to what James writes in the New Testament. It sums up what God’s up to during the tough times in our lives:

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4 NRSV)

It may be that you and I hear that, and we say, “That’s fine, I get the theory, but down here in this mess that my life is in, I can’t make sense of it. I can’t figure out what God’s doing and what He’s trying to achieve and how I should respond. I don’t have the wisdom; I don’t have the experience.” 

That’s OK too. Because God has that base covered. In the very next verse in the book of James, this is what he says:

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5–6 NRSV)

“How long, O God, how long?” Is Habakkuk’s question your question? 

The answer is this: in God’s time. When He’s ready. When He’s done. In the meantime, He has a plan. Get on with it. Rejoice in that. Rest in Him. Trust in this mighty and sovereign God because He loves you. 

LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS

• God’s Word is meant to change us – to have an impact on us. As you’ve spent time thinking about Habakkuk’s story and how God answers his complaints, how has God been speaking into your life?  
• What are the areas in which you need to trust God when He says, “I see the problem and I have a plan”? 
• What are some of the practical ways in which you can start to build your trust in God’s plan, despite the difficult circumstances you’re facing right now?

Take a moment to pray:

Change my heart, dear God. Build in me a steadfast faith, so that as I look forward to eternity with You, I’ll know the joy of the freedom that that brings today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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