Habakkuk 3

Scripture Reading:  Read Habakkuk Chapter 3. 

Transformational Faith:

Habakkuk 3:17-18 – “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (NIV)

Habakkuk chapter three is a prayer, a psalm that was likely accompanied by music in the Temple by the prophet Habakkuk.  But this song of prayer from Habakkuk represented something much more profound than his favorite worship tune.  This prayer expresses a journey of faith and trust through which the Lord has taken his prophet Habakkuk. 

At the beginning of his message, the Prophet Habakkuk boldly questions God.  He wonders why the wicked in Judah seem to prosper and why God appears to be absent.  In response, the Lord unveils His plan for judgment, a vision that leaves Habakkuk sobered.  The suffering in Judah will persist, but God is actively working behind the scenes.  This revelation marks a significant shift in Habakkuk's faith journey. 

The reality of suffering and God's overwhelming power cause Habakkuk to tremble in reverent fear.  The Lord will restore Judah in the future, but that deliverance would not come in Habakkuk’s lifetime.  You see, the difficult conditions of life wouldn’t change or improve for Habakkuk, but we do indeed see a change in Habakkuk, a prophet of great faith.

Habakkuk's faith is remarkable.  He trusts in God, though he experiences significant difficulty and suffering.  He won’t see God’s deliverance for Judah in his lifetime, but he trusts the Lord and rejoices in the salvation of God that is yet to come.  

What difficulties are you facing today?  Know that God is with you and will teach you how to trust Him and His plan, even when you don’t understand.