“Trust in the Lord.” These are familiar words. Many of us have latched onto them at some point in our lives, anchoring our souls upon them. Habakkuk was no different. God showed His prophet that he was about to use a pagan nation to judge His people. Habakkuk couldn’t process that. How could God, who is too holy even to look upon sin, think about judging His people with a sinful nation? Certainly, God is right to discipline His people when they go astray. His holiness and His love for His people demand it. But will God use sinners to accomplish His purposes for His people? Yes!
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Although our human minds can only barely grasp it, God uses all things— even sin and sinners—to work both for the good of His people and for His glory. Here’s proof: God used sinful men to bring about the most sinful human act in history—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Yet, through the actions of these sinful men, God was bringing about the greatest good—salvation through Jesus Christ. What other proof do we need? If God can take the greatest evil ever done and use it for the greatest good ever done, then can’t we believe that God will work all things for good for His people? Yes, we can!
God’s lesson for Habakkuk is for God’s people today. When we go astray, we should expect God to discipline us that we might fear Him, amend our ways, and walk in holiness. But who are we to dictate to God what disciplinary means He should use? God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. And aren’t we glad for that? If God took our advice on how to discipline us when we go astray, it would result in tragedy. But God wields the rod He chooses, and the rod brings us pain.
What do we do with the pain? It’s natural to bring questions to God like Habakkuk did. Although God didn’t owe him an explanation, He gave Habakkuk enough of one to ground his faith. When all around us falls apart (v. 17), we trust in God’s unchanging character and in his unwavering commitment to His people. That’s all we can do. But doing that is not a sad endeavor. Notice what Habakkuk says: when life doesn’t seem like life at all, “yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God…is my strength.”
So, friend, whatever your lot, trust in the Lord and rejoice. And watch Him work in your life in ways you never thought possible.