Hope In The DarkSample

Write

If we desire our faith to be strengthened, we should not shrink from opportunities where our faith may be tried, and therefore, through trial, be strengthened.

—George Mueller

How do you react when life crashes in on you? What are your default responses, the things you run to for comfort, relief, or escape? 

Trying to avoid a situation only makes matters worse. We end up even more frustrated, because nothing changes. We may even feel guilty for not being strong enough to deal with whatever thorn has gotten under our skin. Ultimately, we run even farther away from the only one who can truly help us. 

Until we’re willing to have that honest conversation with God, we will never know peace. But how? 

Habakkuk helps guide us through the valley with three specific actions. First, Habakkuk questioned the apparent injustice of God. Then he decided to stop and listen to God. Next, he took notes. God told Habakkuk, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it” (Habakkuk 2:2 NIV).

Why would God want him to do that? Basically, God told Habakkuk, “Write it down so that when I prove myself just and true, everyone can remember that I am a God of my word.” 

When God says something to you, record it, because your spiritual enemy is an expert at stealing the seeds of truth that God wants to plant. 

Maybe you’re thinking, “Come on, Craig! I get what you’re saying, but I’m just not much of a writer. It’s a great idea, but do you really expect me to get on my phone, tablet—or even crazier, take out paper and pen—and write down what I think God’s saying to me?” 

You got it. 

The very act of putting words on the page or screen produces a testimony, seals a memory, and helps hold you accountable. Record his message to you. 

Act: Come up with a plan for how you’ll regularly take note of your conversations with God. Then, start today.