FACING
OUR FEARS WITH FAITH
The prophet
Habakkuk ministered to God’s people during troubled times.
Although repeatedly called to repentance, the nation refused to
change her sinful ways. As God’s spokesman, Habakkuk carried a
heavy burden as the iniquity of Judah was revealed to him. Sometimes
we too find ourselves troubled by all the sin, confusion, and
turmoil that surrounds us every day. We can learn much from this
faithful man of God as we observe how he handled the painful truth
concerning God’s discipline against the proud nation of Judah.
At first, Habakkuk
was a worrier and a watcher. He was totally focused on the negative.
Habakkuk speaks to the Lord saying “O lord, how long shall I
cry, And you not hear?” (chapter 1:2). In Chapter
2:1 he says: “I will stand my watch And set myself on the
rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will
answer when I am corrected.” God reveals to Him a vision in
which all the dark sins of Judah are laid before his eyes. Not only
this, but God tells Habakkuk that He is going to use the dreaded
Babylonians to be His chastening rod upon the nation. What was
Habakkuk’s response? He falls to his knees and worships God in
prayer! O that we would respond in the same way when we face
circumstances that shake our souls to the core.
All throughout
Habakkuk chapter 3, the everlasting power, glory, and justice
of God are proclaimed. Habakkuk’s growing knowledge of God made a
huge difference in his life. Troublesome times often help us to
more completely recognize who God is. Our faith is often increased
tremendously as we struggle to understand the ways of our Lord.
Habakkuk felt all the emotions anyone would experience when you have
received devastating news Hab. 3:16) yet he humbled himself
and proclaimed in 3:17-19 his absolute trust in God no matter
what may come “…Yet I will rejoice in the Lord…the Lord
God is my strength..” (vs 18-19). This is facing our
fears with faith!