Habakkuk: A Message of Faith

 

Introduction:

A farmer wrote to a newspaper saying he could prove God did not exist. By tending his fields on Sundays, he had distracted the worship services of a small church nearby. If God existed, the farmer contended, He would have caused his crops to fail. Instead, he had reaped his biggest harvest ever. The wise newspaper editor replied, "God does nto settle all of His accounts in October."

God sometimes delays judging wicked people and nations, and in fact, uses them to punish His own people. We do well to rest in God, who is sufficient for us int he midst of tough times.

 

Background Passage:

Habakkuk 1:1-3:19

 

What this lesson is about:

Our wise and powerful God is at work even though our enemies sometimes prosper and we sometimes struggle. We can trust Him.

 

Why this lesson is important:

We may wonder why God allows our enemies to prosper while we are barely getting by. This question is not new. All of us can relate to the complaints of injuestice Habakkuk brought before God. The Book of Habakkuk affirms God has everything under control and keeps His promises. He is still on His throne and will punish the wicked. We can rely fully on Him.

 

How this lesson can impact your life:

This lesson challenges you to believe and rest in God, who is sufficient in the midst of hard times.

 

Important questions as you read:

1. What are some things that you see people doing that cause you to cry out for God's intervention? How do you want Him to intervene?
2. What are some things you see happening today that are wrong? How much and in what ways do those things disturb you?
3. How can a person's faith be strengthened in such a situation?
4. What are some ways God surprises us? Think not just in terms of your everyday life, but also about ways God has acted in the Old and New Testaments to accomplish His plan.
5. What are some primary sources of livelihood for you today? What would you do if these were no longer available?

The Life Word

The farmer you met at the introduction to this lesson made some bold and brash assumptions about God, didn't he? How foolish to mistake God's mercy and grace for His non-existence! But let's not judge the farmer too harshly, since we sometimes make foolish assumptions too. Let's trust what we know to be true about God. Just as God was patient then and did not immediately settle His account witht he farmer, He often delays His judgment. However, His judgment eventually will fall on theose who disobey Him. Do you know Christ? If not, come to Him in humble repentance. If so, make sure you are honoring Him with your life; life by faith!

 

 

*This lesson is taken directly from LifeWay Adults Personal Study Guide Winter 2012-13, LifeWords: Bible Studies for Life (KJV), January 13, 2013, pages 58-65.