The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on heights. Habakkuk 3:19
A few years before Babylon invaded the Jewish nation of Judah, wiping it off the face of the earth, Habakkuk raises the question, “Why God, do you allow evil to prevail?” Judah is sinful and will be punished but why allow the more sinful nation of Babylon to gain and prosper at Judah’s expense. God replies that Babylon will be justly judged for their sins too, but in the meantime, “The righteous will live by their faith.” 2:4
In the midst of severe adversity, faith in justice is difficult to grasp and hold. Habakkuk asks, “How long?” Hidden in this plea of agony is an affirmation of faith. Determined to live triumphantly trusting God, Habakkuk’s faith brought about an active, meaningful and productive life.
It is okay to raise questions about pain, oppression, violence and injustice in our world today. Questions don’t mark a wavering faith, but rather a request for correct guidance and action. The end result must always be: Let God be God. He will carry out His plan and we will answer our call, but our main role is righteousness. In this we find and live victory.
Love,
Gretchen