Posted in Habakkuk

A Fearsome Future – But the Lord is Present

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As part of the Welcome to My World challenge, I am first answering this week’s question:

What NEW thing have you learned this last week?

As I contunue this series of studies I am learning new things each week.

You will notice that this week for the first time the image below also appears on my facebook notification thanks to advice of  Shirl, my editor.

Habakkuk 1:7 CEV

‘How fearsome and frightening. Their only laws and rules are the ones they make up.’

People, Cover, Cry, Desperate

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

God’s Fearsome Message

As we saw last session, the Lord’s response to Habakkuk was that He intended to punish the people of Judah and He would be using the Chaldeans to do it. This was a surprise to the people as well as to Habakkuk. Surprised because the Chaldeans (Babylonians) were a wicked people who worshiped false gods. Why would God use such people to discipline His people?

They were notorious for their violence, their vast numbers, the bravery of their army and the overwhelming victories they had gained. The mere mention of their name spread terror wherever they went.

  • Are there circumstances that have thrown you into a state of terror? What are they?
  • What about those circumstances causes you the greatest concern?

When we find ourselves confronted by fearful concerns we need to remember Jehovah-Shammah, ‘the Lord is present’.

Despite the fearful things which may seem to lie ahead of us in the future we are reminded of Jehovah Shammah - The Lord is present. Share on X

A Fearsome Enemy

These pagan Chaldeans certainly would not be guided by the laws of God, but instead by their own precepts. Therefore they would act according to their desires and pleasure. The Judaens knew that no one would be able to successfully oppose them. They could expect no mercy or pity from such a lawless and arrogant enemy.

The mere sight of the Chaldean army advancing brought feelings of apprehension and fear to both the prophet and the people of Judah.

  • What do you fear most as a Christian?

The cause of our apprehension and fear is often an unseen enemy, like the COVID-19 virus which we may contract with no initial obvious symptoms. And then suddenly, unexpectedly, we may display symptoms of the virus and become extremely ill.

  • What do you fear most about this Covid-19 pandemic?

Who Causes Us to Feel Fear?

The bad news that whilst Judah had a visual enemy, we all also face an unseen adversary: Satan. He attacks us through our minds, focussing in on the unexpected circumstances of life. He is quick to prompt us to say and act in ways which do not glorify our Lord. Furthermore, he lures us through enticing prospects so we may find it all too easy to fall into temptation and sin.

Praise the Lord—the good news is, our enemy is a defeated foe, defeated at Calvary.

Paul reminds us that, “In him (Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” (Ephesians 1:7 ESV)

Confidence for Those who feel Afraid

By contrast to Habakkuk’s fearsome message for Judah in the above verse, the prophet Isaiah brings the following positive assurance.  “Tell fearful souls, Courage! Take heart! GOD is here, right here, on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs. He’s on his way! He’ll save you!” (Isaiah 35:4 MSG)

  • In these days of Covid-19 many are fearsome of what the future may hold, how can we come alongside and give them hope for the future?

Please spend some time now praying for anyone known to you who is facing a fearsome future.

P.S. If you haven’t yet read the background to the prophecy, please do. It will benefit you throughout our time together

Posted in Habakkuk

Judgement is Bad News, but there’s also Good!

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As part of the Welcome to My World challenge, I am first answering this week’s question:

“Who was the last person you spoke to? And what was the topic?”

I spoke to Shirl and asked her to read through this post, to make sure I had crossed all my t’s and dotted all my i’s! I am really enjoying this, my first dive into the blogging pool, but I still need my editor on hand!

So now, after that short Easter post, we return to the next  verse in our study:

Habakkuk 1:6 CEV

‘I am sending the Babylonians. They are fierce and cruel—
marching across the land, conquering cities and towns.’

Image by azboomer from Pixabay

Judgement on Judah

  • Can you think of a situation where wrongdoers appear to be free from judgement of their actions? Unfortunately, in the land where I live, this would be an easy question to answer! But what can you think of?

God informed Habakkuk that He would deal with the situation so quickly and amazingly that the prophet would be taken aback (verse 5). He went on to state that He intended to use the evil Babylonians (Chaldeans) to punish Judah.

The mighty Chaldeans ruled Babylon from 625 to 539 B.C.

Habakkuk’s probable expectation was that God would rescue Judah from the impending invasion by the Chaldeans. That made sense. Then God would surely pass judgement on that evil nation for its horrific expansion programme.

Habakkuk was not ready for God’s answer.

Unfair judgement?

God often begins His judgement on sin with the people of God. God desires our salvation from sin and will use whatever means is necessary to achieve that goal, and what will be best for us in the long run.

  • Do you think it is fair when someone is condemned for the evil actions of another?  Why or why not?
  • Do you recall a time in your childhood when you were wrongly punished for something a sibling or friend did?
  • What about the other way around? Was your sibling or friend ever punished for something you did? Did you own up?
  • Can you think of a recent situation in which a wrongdoer got off scot-free while the innocent party got punished?
    • How do you think the situation should have been handled?

God has good reasons for his long-suffering towards bad men, and the rebukes of good men. Share on X

God’s Judgement

Matthew Henry in his commentary on this section of Habakkuk states, “The servants of the Lord are deeply afflicted by seeing ungodliness and violence prevail.“

He goes on to say, “We should long to remove to the world where holiness and love reign for ever, and no violence shall be before us. God has good reasons for his long-suffering towards bad men, and the rebukes of good men.” (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary)

The news media these days is full of violence and atrocities taking place all over the world. Therefore we can readily identify with Matthew Henry’s commentary that as the children of God our longing is for heaven, the place where “holiness and love reign for ever, and no violence shall be before us.”

  • What might God’s reasons be for not taking action against bad people?
  • Sometimes it feels as if He doesn’t notice those of us who are trying to do good. Why do you think that might be?
  • Can you think of someone you regard as a good person who seems to be going through a very difficult time at the moment?
    • Is there something you can do to ease their burden?

Why God reserves judgement

“The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” (2 Peter 3:9 CEV)

Read that verse again, several times.

We do feel that it is unfair for the righteous to suffer while those who are living ungodly lifestyles seem to be getting off scot-free.  That’s the bad news. But the good news, as we read in 2 Peter 3:9, is that God is patient. And He wants everyone to turn from sin and not be lost.

That means the bad guys!

And it definitely means you and me—’cos we’re the good guys, right?

The Lord’s desire is for everyone to turn from sin and be saved through faith in Christ.

Can you think of someone who is, at this point, rejecting salvation, and is in need of saving? Don’t share publicly, but make a note of that person,  and make him or her a prayer project.

 

P.S. If you haven’t yet read the background to the prophecy, please do. It will benefit you throughout our time together

Posted in Habakkuk

Silence is Broken – God Shares a Way

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***What was your first thought when you woke up this morning? ***

What a lovely day. Thank you Lord, for the soft gentle showers during the night.

Did you expect something amazing to happen today? Habakkuk did . . .

Habakkuk 1:5 CEV

‘Look and be amazed at what’s happening among the nations! Even if you were told,

you would never believe what’s taking place now.’

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The way God breaks the silence.

In response to Habakkuk’s questioning and confusion, God broke His silence, informing him that He was aware of Judah’s sin. Instead of bringing about a renewal in Judah He was sending the “feared and dreaded” Babylonians to exercise His judgment on His people (verse 7).

Charles Swindoll commented, ‘It reminds us that while God may seem silent and uninvolved in our world, He always has a plan to deal with evil and always works out justice . . . eventually.’ (The Bible Teaching ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll)

Up until this point in the prophecy Habakkuk had been complaining to God. Here we find God providing an answer to Habakkuk. God will certainly take care of this situation during Habakkuk’s lifetime. He would actually use a pagan nation to punish His people.

  • How do you feel about God using non-believers to discipline His children?
  • Can you think of an occasion when a non-believer responded to some ungodly word or action of yours?
  • How do you respond when a non-believer comments, “I would never have expected that of a Christian.”?

Prayer is often a risky business, God sometimes tells us things that we don’t really want to hear.

'While God may seem silent and uninvolved in our world, He always has a plan.' Charles Swindoll Share on X

God’s way

A preacher once said, ‘He who asks God for light must not complain if the light scorches at times with its fierce and naked heat, and he who asks for guidance must not be surprised if God points him to paths he would rather not tread.’” (Quoted by Sara Maxwell in ‘God Answers’ 2nd June 2013)

God’s ways are certainly not our ways, nor His thoughts as our thoughts, but be assured His ways produce the best possible results.

  • Are you ready to accept the method that God may use to answer your prayers?

God’s way ahead for the nation, for your congregation, for you and I personally, may not be our choice, may not be the easiest way, but it certainly will prove to ultimately be the best way.

  • Are you really ready for God’s answer?
  • What response from God do you fear the most?
    • No answer?
    • Wait a while?
    • Be patient the answer is on the way?
    • Or the guidance to do something that you are afraid of doing?

God knows the best way

Although God’s answer may not be what we had hoped for we can take comfort in the fact that God knows what is best for us and He promises to prosper us in the end.

Eugene Peterson has these words of encouragement, “It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in GOD.” (Proverbs 16:20 MSG)

Very good advice from The Message. Keep trusting even though God’s answer may be unexpected and seem strange.

Share with me how you feel about waiting for God’s answer. What would you like to say to Him, or how can I pray for you? Please leave a comment below.

If you haven’t yet read the background to the prophecy, please do. It will benefit you throughout our time together.

 

Posted in Habakkuk

Disguised Opportunities – Confused spelt with a ‘k’

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As part of the Welcome to My World challenge, I am first answering this week’s question:

What does the word WATER make you think of? 

The water crisis in our country at present.

Habakkuk was faced with a major crises facing his country. Read on.

Habakkuk 1:4 NIrV

‘The law can’t do what it’s supposed to do. Fairness never comes out on top. Sinful people surround those who do what is right. So people are never treated fairly.’ 

boy confused

a href=’httpswww.freepik.comphotoscute’Cute photo created by freepik – www.freepik.coma

Confused

Johnny was struggling with his homework. One question, in particular, had him stumped. Eventually, he wrote in his homework book, “Boy am I konfused?”

The next day when the teacher was going around the classroom checking on their homework she came to Johnny’s desk and saw his answer. “Johnny, you don’t spell confused with a ‘k’!”

Quickly the reply came, “That’s just how confused I am.” read more

Posted in Habakkuk

Tough Times, Tough People: Habakkuk, Paul, Us

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As part of the Welcome to My World challenge, I am first answering this week’s question:

Q: What do you see as you look out of your window?

A: Looking out my lounge window, I see a beautiful sunny day with no wind, an unusual situation for Port Elizabeth, known as South Africa’s “Windy City”.

I wonder what Habakkuk saw as he looked around? Let’s read on

Habakkuk 1:3,4 CEV

‘Why do you allow violence, lawlessness, crime, and cruelty to spread everywhere? Laws cannot be enforced; justice is always the loser; criminals crowd  out honest people and twist the laws around.’ 

pexels-rachel-claire-4992628

 

 “Tough times never last…but tough people do!” – Dr. Robert Schuller  

Tough Times

In the opening verses of Habakkuk, we met a man of God, who was finding life tough. He was in despair because the Jews were not living in accordance with the Mosaic law. Yet he dreaded God’s threatened discipline. But he didn’t hesitate to voice his complaints to God about the injustice of the situation. He’d had enough.How about you?

I’m sure finding our locked-down lives tough in many ways. And yet I’ve had it easier than most. How about you? Give each of the following questions some thought. If you’re in a group, spend a few minutes discussing each.

  • What has been the worst aspect of Covid-19 for you? 
  • How do you generally react to the distressing situations that confront you?

In desperation, Habakkuk cried out to God: “God! Where are you?”

  • Have you ever done this? Or felt this way?

Tough People

When God seems to ignore your requests how do you respond?

       Do you

  • keep on praying?
  • stop praying? After all, God doesn’t seem to be listening, so why keep praying?
  • share the problem with a Christian friend?
  • go ahead and try to deal with the situation on your own?

Many of us have been brought up to show a stiff upper lip when life gets difficult.

We’ve been

  • encouraged to hide our feelings
  • to live behind a mask
  • discouraged from being open and honest
  • taught to present a picture of a person who is in complete control.

The result is that when we are in a state of panic, confused, frustrated, really hurting down deep inside and in need of help, we give the impression that everything is okay. So no one helps. Why would they? They don’t know we need it.

Should We Always Be Tough?

In Philippians 1:13, Paul says this: “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” Paul was also having a tough time. But notice, he didn’t keep it to himself. The whole palace guard and everyone else knew what he was going through—and why.

When you meet someone and they ask you, “How are you?” what is your stock answer? Do you trot out with the stock answer? “Fine thanks!” Despite the fact that you may not be feeling well, you may be heart-sore, or angry.  Perhaps you’re discouraged or in deep despair. You could be drowning in financial debts. But . . . . “Fine thanks!”

Okay, we all know people that when you ask them how they are, you fervently wish you’d kept your mouth shut! So we need to be selective over whom we spill out our woes to, and even then, be selective about how much we share. Especially in the middle of a shop!

A friend of ours recently was asked by her minister in passing how she was. “Fine thank you!” she responded. Then she realised she really wasn’t fine. She had a major problem, and it related to an area he was involved in. To his surprise, she suddenly turned and said to his retreating back, “Actually, that’s not true. I’m not fine!”

Surprised, the man of God immediately ushered her into his office where he invited her to share her issues with him, and hopefully the matter will now be sorted out. But it would never have been dealt with if she hadn’t been open.

How are you? Really? Pastor Rob suggests a step to recovery based on the book of Habakkuk. Please Retweet. Share on X

First Step to Recovery

That brings us to an important step on the road to recovery from a situation that has thrown your normal pattern of life into turmoil. Be open! We need to honestly admit when we could use an extra prayer or six. 

So –

  • Be honest with yourself. Recognize that you are not totally “fine thanks!”
  • Be honest with God. He already knows your struggles. So talk to Him. Take a leaf out of Habakkuk’s book and tell Him what’s bothering you. Ask for His help—and listen for His response.
  • Be honest with someone you can trust. On more than one occasion, my wife, Shirley, or I have gone to a friend after praying for guidance from the Lord and shared our hurts or confusion. Sometimes they’ve come up with helpful advice. Other times, they’ve just prayed with us. But oh how it helps.  The following well-known phrase is so true:

A problem shared is a problem halved

So . . .

How are you? If you’re not Fine thanks! the first step is, to be honest with yourself. Spend some time considering the question. What’s bothering me?

Now be honest with God. Ask Him if there’s someone you should chat to, or if He has another plan for you. Then follow through.

Finally, if He shows you someone you can trust, pick up that phone and arrange to get together. 

Without going into details, drop a short answer in the comment section below.

How are you?

I’ll get back to you and if you like, I’ll pray for your need. 

If you haven’t yet read the background to the prophecy, please do. It will benefit you throughout our time together.

Posted in Habakkuk

Sounds of Silence – Unanswered Prayer

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Silent Seas – oil painting by Rob Corder 2008

Habakkuk 1:2- 4

“How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.”

read more

Posted in Habakkuk

A Desperate Cry – and Many Questions

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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Habakkuk 1:1-3 CEV

‘I am Habakkuk the prophet. And this is the message that the LORD gave me. Our LORD, how long must I beg for your help before you listen? How long before you save us from all this violence? Why do you make me watch such terrible injustice? Why do you allow violence, lawlessness, crime, and cruelty to spread everywhere? Laws cannot be enforced; justice is always the loser; criminals crowd out honest people and twist the laws around.’ 

read more

Posted in Habakkuk

Help! Panic Begins – Where’s the Bridge?

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Panic Begins

Habakkuk 1:1-3 (NIrV)

‘This is a vision the prophet Habakkuk received from the LORD. Here is what Habakkuk said.

“LORD, how long do I have to call out for help?

Why don’t you listen to me?

How long must I keep telling you that things are terrible?

Why don’t you save us?

Why do you make me watch while people treat others so unfairly?

Why do you put up with the wrong things they are doing?

I have to look at death.

People are harming others. They are arguing and fighting all the time.”‘

For Habakkuk the future looked ominous, he couldn’t understand why God was not intervening.

 

Pastor Chip Ingram is on record as saying, ‘Christians are like teabags. You never know what kind you are until you are in hot water.’ (Pastor Ralph Browne “Chip” Ingram Il.)

  • What sort of hot water have you been in recently? 
  • Can you recall a time in your life that would endorse Chip’s comment? 
  • How do you usually react when life throws you into a state of unexpected confusion? 
  • When things get too hot around you, how can you best control your reactions? 

Approaching panic

A little girl was taking a long train journey. As she looked out the window, ahead she saw a frightening stretch of water. How would the train ever get them across to the other side? She squeezed her eyes shut in terror as the train wheels thundered closer to the river.

When she next looked, she discovered they were on the other side. A few minutes later, to her horror, she saw another rushing stretch of water ahead. Not again!

Once more, she squeezed her eyes shut. Once more, when she opened her eyes, the train had crossed to the other side.

Throughout the course of the day, her train crossed a number of rivers. Each time she saw the water ahead she felt just a little less anxious, but as long as she closed her eyes, the train made it safely to the other side. She couldn’t understand how they would be able to cross the river.

Eventually, she became brave. Nervously, she kept her eyes open as they drew near to the next river. She had to see how the train managed this amazing feat.

Suddenly, a large metal bridge appeared and the train roared across without a break in its speed. This happened several times.

Finally, the child leaned back with a sigh of relief and confidence: “Somebody has put bridges for us all the way.” (Adapted from American Messenger,1922)

http://robcorder.blogspot.com/

Bridge at Victoria Falls – Oil painting by Rob Corder 2004

  • Are you facing a situation where you are terrified of what’s ahead? 
    • an interview?
    • a disciplinary hearing?
    • an upcoming confrontation?
    • a court appearance?
    • a crumbling marriage?
    • failing health – your own or your partner’s . . . ?

No Sign of a Bridge!

Now is when you need to close your eyes—not in terror, but in prayer. You have no idea how your train is going to cross this terrible obstacle, but place your faith in the One who has built a bridge for you to cross over. 

The crisis may have taken you by surprise. Let’s face it. Not one person saw what was looming ahead in 2020! But God did. He is never taken by surprise. He knows what’s coming, and He’s already built a bridge. We just need to trust. 

From the questions Habakkuk was firing at God, we can see he was confused and frustrated. He couldn’t understand God’s seeming failure to take action in the face of all the violence and destruction directed against the Jews. There didn’t seem to be any way the nation could survive this impossible situation. They had a river to cross – but no bridge.

Haven’t we asked similar questions during the height of the Coronavirus pandemic?

  • Will we survive?
  • Is the vaccine a bridge?
  • Should I take it now, or wait until it’s had a chance to prove its effectiveness?
  • Will it work against the variants recently discovered in my country?
  • Is there another way to overcome this virus?

Although the prophet was confused and panicked, God was ahead of him. He had already made a plan. But Habakkuk had to wait for God to show him. We’ll learn more about those plans in future sessions. In the meantime, let’s hold onto this truth.

We may be aware of raging rivers ahead of us. But God has a plan. He’s already built bridges for us—we have to sit tight and wait for that plan.

What bridge has God created for you in your current situation? Read Pastor Rob's blog. Please RT. Share on X

Looking for a bridge

  • Can you think of a bridge that God provided to enable you to overcome a difficult situation in your past?
  • Are you looking at a raging river right now? What proof can you think of that Someone has gone ahead of you and built a bridge? 
  • Close your eyes and give thanks.

Finish our time together as you quietly listen to this beautiful song by Don Moen. If you know the melody, join in and sing along. Click on the link below:


God will make a way!

 

Background Information

From the beginning