7/29/13

From Bill Dayton... FACING OUR FEARS WITH FAITH



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!