Is God Working

Finding Rest in God’s Unseen Work: Lessons from Habakkuk

Have you ever felt like God wasn’t listening to your prayers? Like the injustices in the world were going unchecked, and God seemed to be doing nothing about it? If so, you’re not alone. The prophet Habakkuk wrestled with these very questions, and his struggle can teach us valuable lessons about trusting God even when we can’t see Him working.

The Struggle of Faith

As I was preparing this sermon, I was struck by how relatable Habakkuk’s complaints to God are. He cries out:

“O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save?” (Habakkuk 1:2)

How many of us have prayed the same prayer over and over, feeling like God isn’t listening? We look around at the world and see injustice, violence, and wickedness seemingly going unchecked. Like Habakkuk, we might ask, “Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong?” (Habakkuk 1:3)

The Truth Behind Our Despair

As I reflected on Habakkuk’s struggle, I realized that our despair often comes from trusting in ourselves rather than in God. We trust in what we can do and what we can see. But the reality is, we have a very limited perspective. We’re like children who can’t understand why their parents make certain decisions.

This reminds me of Habakkuk 2:4, which I believe is the theme verse of the whole book:

“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.”

Living by faith means trusting in who God is, even when we can’t see or understand what He’s doing.

God’s Surprising Answer

When God responds to Habakkuk, He doesn’t just say, “Trust me, I’m your God.” Instead, He pulls back the curtain a little bit and gives Habakkuk a glimpse of what He’s doing behind the scenes:

“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” (Habakkuk 1:5)

God reveals that He’s raising up the Chaldeans (Babylonians) to bring judgment. This answer probably wasn’t what Habakkuk expected or wanted to hear. But it shows us that God is always working, even when we can’t see it.

Finding Rest in God’s Character

The key to finding rest amidst life’s uncertainties is trusting in who God is, not in what we can see or do. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly just. He can use even evil nations for His good purposes.

As Jesus said in Luke 18:17, “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” We need to trust God with the simple faith of a child, knowing that He sees the full picture even when we can’t.

Putting It Into Practice

So how do we apply these truths to our lives? Here are some practical steps:

1. Be honest with God about your struggles and questions. He can handle your doubts and frustrations.
2. Remember that prayer changes us more than it changes God. As R.C. Sproul said, “Prayer does change things, all kinds of things. But the most important thing it changes is us.”
3. Look for evidence of God’s work in unexpected places. He often works in ways we wouldn’t predict.
4. Trust in God’s character when you can’t see His hand. Remind yourself of who He is: all-powerful, all-loving, and perfectly just.
5. Cultivate childlike faith by choosing to trust God even when you don’t understand His ways.

Remember, our God is worthy of our trust, our faith, and our praise. Even when life feels chaotic and unjust, we can rest assured that God is working all things for His glory and our good.