When we suffer as the result of some disaster; when our home is flattened by an earthquake or is washed away by a flood, our natural tendency is to ask, “Why is this happening to me? Doesn’t God see? Doesn’t He care what is happening to me?”
These questions are nothing new. People have asked them in every age. The Bible describes what happened at one point when the people of Israel were suffering: “When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” “But sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? …” (Judges 6:12-13 NIV)
Gideon’s question raises some important concerns about the nature of God. Because calamities occur, some people conclude that God either does not love us, or He does not have the power to prevent calamities. But the Bible assures us that God not only is the Almighty, but that He loves us. For example, the Apostle Paul tells us, “…As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” … “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”” (2 Corinthians 6:16-18 NIV)
If God both loves us and has the power to prevent calamity and tragedy, then why do we suffer? There are many reasons why suffering may be necessary. One reason which God provided to the Prophet Habakkuk is that it may be necessary for us to suffer so that God can accomplish some greater purpose. God is not just concerned for us and our situation, but is dealing with the whole world. The real question is not why we have to suffer, but whether we have the faith to trust God while we suffer. We may not always understand, but if we have faith, we will have confidence that God still loves and cares for us in spite of our circumstances.
In spite of the calamities which were facing the nation of Israel, the prophet Habakkuk chose to trust God. One of the things which helped him do so was to remember what God had done in the past. In chapter 3, verse 13 he sums up what God had done by saying, “You came to deliver your people…” (NIV)
Also, in verse 13, Habakkuk refers to the Israelites as God’s ‘anointed one.’ In others words, God had chosen and set them apart for a special purpose. Do you realize that the followers of Christ are also called God’s anointed? 2nd Corinthians 1:21-22 says, “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (NIV)
What this means is that, if you are a follower of Christ, God has a special purpose for you. He has also given you a guarantee of what is to come. Because of this, you can be sure that whatever the current situation or troubles may be, God will see you through it. Philippians 1:6 says, “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
Habakkuk chose to trust God because he remembered what God had done in the past. But perhaps you are thinking, “Oh sure, I’ve read the stories in the Bible but all that happened a long time ago. They don’t really apply to me.” Well, let’s make this practical. If you are a follower of Christ, you may not feel much connection with the stories in the Bible, but surely you can remember what God has done in your life? Can you remember what you were like before coming to Christ? Can you see any change, any difference in your life as a result of giving your life to Christ? When you do look back and remember what Christ has saved you from, then just like Habakkuk, your faith and your trust in God will be strengthened.
Because Habakkuk recalled to mind what God had done in the past, he was able to take the next step. In chapter 3, verse 16 he writes that he will ‘wait patiently.’ When we choose to trust God, one of the results is that we will follow God’s instructions. In chapter 2, verse 3 God had said, “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
God had told Habakkuk to wait. Habakkuk said that he would. This is an extremely important concept. God will work things out. He will save His people. But salvation will come at the ‘appointed time.’ All too often, we try to rush things. We get impatient. But we need to learn to wait. And while we are waiting, we need to keep on doing what God has told us to do. We need to remember what it says in 1st Peter 5, verses 6 and 7: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (NIV)
In chapter 3, verses 17 and 18, Habakkuk makes one of the most incredible statements of faith in the entire Bible. “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (NIV)
Here is a man who is anticipating losing everything. He expects to become poor. Even life might be difficult to sustain because there will be no food. Yet, in spite of going through tragedy; in spite of all the destruction; in spite of losing it all, Habakkuk says that he will rejoice!
How is that possible? How can someone go through the devastation of war and famine like Habakkuk did and still be full of joy? Habakkuk gives us the answer in the next verse. He says, “The Sovereign LORD is my strength…” (3:19 NIV)
It is depending on God which gives those of us who follow Christ the ability to look beyond our circumstances. When we trust in God, we know that in spite of appearances, things ultimately will turn out for our good. The Apostle Paul writes, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV) Because God brings good out of all circumstances for the followers of Christ, Paul goes on to say, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39 NIV)
No matter what our circumstances may be, they cannot separate us from God’s love. The question is whether we will turn our backs to Him or whether we will continue to trust and call out to Christ.
Beloved listeners, difficulties and disasters will come whether we choose to follow Christ or not. However, God’s promise that He will bring good out of all circumstances is only for those who have chosen to follow Christ. We all suffer, but our suffering will be even more tragic if no good comes from it.