Intro to Habakkuk
Read Habakkuk 2:4
Today’s Truth
Habakkuk provides us one of the most remarkable sections in all of Scripture, as it contains an extended dialogue between Habakkuk and God. The prophet initiated this conversation based on his distress about God’s “inaction” in the world. He wanted to see God do something more, particularly in the area of justice for evildoers. The book of Habakkuk pictures a frustrated prophet, much like Jonah, though Habakkuk channeled his frustration into prayers and eventually praise to God, rather than trying to run from the Lord as Jonah did.
Discussion Question
- When have you been perplexed about why God allowed something to happen? When has God given you an answer to prayer that surprised you?
- What was Habakkuk's emotional state when he asked God, “How long?” Have you ever asked God, “How long?”
- What was the issue for you? Have you ever been frustrated with God's timing?
Life Application
The book of Habakkuk offers us a picture of a prideful people being humbled, while the righteous live by faith in God (2:4). It reminds us that while God may seem silent and uninvolved in our world, He always has a plan to deal with evil and always works out justice . . . eventually. The example of the prophet Habakkuk encourages believers to wait on the Lord, expecting that He will indeed work out all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
