by Sandy Kirby Quandt

In the 7th Century B.C. the prophet, Habakkuk, prophesied to Judah about the impending invasion by the Babylonians. He couldn’t understand how God allowed evil and injustice to run rampant. He especially could not understand how God could use such a wicked nation to punish his people.

Perhaps we look around at our world today and wonder the same thing.

We see oppression, violence, strife, conflict, war, hunger, murder, injustice…

Like Habakkuk, we know God hates evil. We know he is all powerful. All knowing. All compassionate. We know all that and it is that knowledge that causes us to wonder how evil is allowed to exist.

Habakkuk took his questions to God and God answered. He said the answer, the revelation, awaited an appointed time. It would certainly come. Wait for it. The righteous will live by faith, Habakkuk was told. Trust God knows what he’s doing and that his timing is perfect.

We don’t have to understand why evil flourishes. We don’t have to like it, either. But we do have to trust God is in control and always on time.

At the end of the book of Habakkuk, the prophet praised God for who he is. He acknowledged God as the powerful creator. He trembled at the destruction around him, yet vowed to wait patiently for the day when God would set things right. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines…yet I will rejoice in the LORD…(3:17-18)

Oh, so difficult to do sometimes.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Leave a comment below. If you think others would appreciate reading this please share it through the social media buttons.

I am Habakkuk the prophet. And this is the message that the Lord gave me.

Our Lord, how long must I beg for your help before you listen?
How long before you save us from all this violence?
Why do you make me watch such terrible injustice?
Why do you allow violence, lawlessness, crime, and cruelty
to spread everywhere? Habakkuk 1:1-3 (CEV)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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