Facing Our Fear With FaithSample

Waiting Before God

Have you ever found yourself in a place of deep questioning and longing for answers? Perhaps you resonate with the prophet Habakkuk, who, amid his struggles, cried out, “How long, Lord?” His inquiry reflects a heart grappling with his people’s spiritual condition and God’s apparent silence. We see a journey of faith, wrestling with doubts, seeking reconciliation, and finding strength in uncertainty.

Habakkuk fearlessly confronts God, voicing his concerns and challenging his theological perspectives. In his plea, we witness a man of faith who struggles to reconcile his understanding with the troubling circumstances before him. Questioning, seeking understanding, and engaging in theological reflection when our beliefs encounter real-life challenges is natural.

Habakkuk’s inquiry is not the result of doubt searching for reasons to disbelieve but faith yearning for reconciliation. He approaches God, demonstrating deep love and reverence for the Lord. Habakkuk’s holy jealousy for God’s glory propels him to seek answers while acknowledging his limited perspective. In his search for truth, he models a faith that earnestly desires to comprehend the mysteries of God.

Habakkuk also reveals his vulnerability and fear. He admits trembling at the thought of God’s justice and the impending invasion from the Chaldeans intended to correct His people. Habakkuk’s honesty extends beyond theological wrestling; it encompasses his deepest fears and anxieties. This transparency teaches us that it is acceptable to acknowledge our weaknesses and experience trepidation while holding onto our beliefs.

Habakkuk’s example invites us to embrace honest faith—one that wrestles with questions and doubts, seeks reconciliation between our understanding and life’s challenges, and acknowledges our fears and weaknesses. Like the apostle Paul, who confessed his despair and burdens, we too can find solace in knowing that honesty does not negate faith. Through genuine wrestling, our faith deepens and matures.

In his wrestling, Habakkuk discovers a profound truth—a truth that resonates with us today. Despite his fear and unanswered questions, he waits quietly for the day of trouble. His acceptance of God’s plan is marked by unwavering hope. Similarly, we can find strength in patiently awaiting God’s purposes to unfold, trusting that His mercy will be present even in His justice.

The book of Habakkuk offers us a glimpse into the struggles of a faithful servant bringing his questions, fears, and doubts before the Lord. Do you find this honesty in yourself? Can you truly be honest before God in the tension between faith and life’s challenges?