As believers, it’s essential to confront and acknowledge the overwhelming events and personal trials we face. We may not be able to control the outcome, but we can admit our helplessness and express our needs to God, just like the prophet Habakkuk did.
How long, Lord, must I call for help and you do not listen or cry out to you about violence and you do not save? Why do you force me to look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Oppression and violence are right in front of me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates. - Habakkuk 1:2-3
Do you question God in times of distress?
Habakkuk was distressed and asked God for help, but he felt his pleas were going unanswered. He questioned why God allowed injustice, violence, oppression, and wrongdoing to happen. He continued to lament, even though he didn’t understand God’s ways.
We must identify, recognize, and express our needs to God, even if we don’t understand His ways. We must trust in His infinite knowledge and wisdom and believe He will answer our prayers. Sometimes, His answer may not be what we expected, but we can trust that He will deliver His people at the perfect time and provide the best solution.
Do you lose sight of God when times are hard?
During waiting times, we can focus on God’s attributes and find peace knowing He is loving and just. We can look to Him, and all He is, even though our understanding as finite beings is limited.
if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. - 2 Ti 2:13
The Belgic Confession states:
He is eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, immutable, infinite, almighty, perfectly wise, just, good, and the overflowing fountain of all good.
For I the Lord do not change; – Mal 3:6
It can be easy to succomb to temptation during times of waiting.
We must continue doing what we know from God’s Word, such as prayer, Bible reading, Bible study, and worship. We shouldn’t forget God’s truths or toss them aside, but instead, express our laments to Him and wait for Him to answer in His own time.
In summary, let’s be assertive in acknowledging our distress and expressing our needs to God. Let’s trust in His faithfulness and infinite wisdom, knowing He will provide us with the best solution at the perfect time.
Practical Application:
Do you need more faith? Do you need to cry out, I believe; help my unbelief (Mark 9:24)? God’s sending his one and only son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross provided for our most dire need. This is the most remarkable testimony to His faithfulness.
Read Titus 2:11-14.
Debbie Swindell 