But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

Faithfulness in Despair: Habakkuk’s Trial (Part 1)

Tip: Read Habakkuk 1:1-4 before reading this snippet 

Habakkuk’s testimony is brief and very instructive. He begins in despair crying out to God about the unrighteousness he sees around him and the hurt it is causing him. He finishes by rejoicing in our Lord despite being in even greater depths of despair (Hab 3:18).

He begins his testimony by recording four questions he asked God (Hab 1:2-3):

1. O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear?
2. Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save?
3. Why do you make me see iniquity,
4. why do you idly look at wrong?

Each question provides a glimpse of the pain he was feeling.  The first indicates that he felt abandoned as God had not answered his cries.  The second reveals he was under tremendous stress, living in fear of losing his life and struggling to understand why God had not saved him.  Questions 3 and 4 show there was a spiritual dimension to his pain. The unrighteousness of God’s chosen people appears to be causing his soul grief. The fact that it had gone unjudged found him questioning how this could be, given his knowledge of God’s righteousness.

We may not be able to identify with Habakkuk’s circumstances, but I am convinced the majority (perhaps all) Christians can identify with the feeling of despair. When we are in despair, we have the blessing to claim God’s promise that he will never allow us to experience a trial that is beyond our ability to endure (2 Cor 4:7-12). Further, he will always provide us with a way of escape (1 Cor 10:13).  Other scriptures remind us that when we are at our weakest and wholly relying on God, that is when we are at our strongest (2 Cor 12:9).

Habakkuk’s testimony reminds us that we should always speak to God when we are in despair.  Let us never lose faith in our faithful God no matter how hard things might be. Instead, we should reinforce our faith by telling him our complaints and concerns. God will never punish us for speaking honestly and humbly to him (2 Cor 1:3, Php 4:6, Heb 4:15-16).

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13