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SCRIPTURE: HABAKKUK 2:1-14

BACKGROUND
We all have times in our lives when we feel the way Habakkuk felt about the situation of Judah when we say, “God, I don’t understand. Here is this situation in my life that I need you to do something about.” God said to Habakkuk, “Don’t worry, I know what’s going on and I’m going to take care of things.  In fact, I’ve already made plans to bring the Babylonians in to punish the Jews.” This only confused and upset Habakkuk even more.  Because, the Babylonians were known for being a cruel, violent and godless people. Habakkuk asked God two questions that we often ask: “Why?” and “How long?”  Why are you letting these things happen?  And how long before you do something about it?”

Habakkuk then said to God, in essence, “You’ve got some explaining to do.  And I’m going to sit right here and wait until you give me an explanation that I’m satisfied with.” He is the gatekeeper looking out for an answer. So, here’s the question. When you find yourself struggling with your faith, when you don’t understand why God is doing the things that’s he’s doing or it just seems like he’s not doing anything at all, how do you deal with that? LISTEN
Habakkuk said, “I will stand like a guard to watch and place myself at the tower.  I will wait to see what he will say to me; I will wait to learn how God will answer my complaint.” (Habakkuk 2:1).
Whenever we are struggling in our faith, the first thing we need to do is to stop and listen.  In fact, if you look at what Habakkuk did, basically, he was complaining to God, “God, I don’t like what you’re doing.” And after that he said, “Now, God, it’s your turn.  I need some answers.  What do you have to say for yourself?”  And then he waited and listened to see what God would say.
Far too often, what we do is we just whine about what’s going on and then we go on with our lives.  We don’t really want answers, we just want to complain.  And so, a lot of times, we never stop to listen.  We never consider asking God, “What do you have to say?” Our God is a relational God who loves to speak to his children and if you take the time to listen, God will often speak to you. He speaks to us in different ways.  He can speak through his word, as we read and study the Bible. God can also speak to you through circumstances or even through other people. So, if you’re wrestling with trying to make sense of what’s going on in your life or in the world around you, first of all, you need to listen. 

LISTEN
Habakkuk said, “I will stand like a guard to watch and place myself at the tower.  I will wait to see what he will say to me; I will wait to learn how God will answer my complaint.” (Habakkuk 2:1).
Whenever we are struggling in our faith, the first thing we need to do is to stop and listen.  In fact, if you look at what Habakkuk did, basically, he was complaining to God, “God, I don’t like what you’re doing.” And after that he said, “Now, God, it’s your turn.  I need some answers.  What do you have to say for yourself?”  And then he waited and listened to see what God would say.
Far too often, what we do is we just whine about what’s going on and then we go on with our lives.  We don’t really want answers, we just want to complain.  And so, a lot of times, we never stop to listen.  We never consider asking God, “What do you have to say?” Our God is a relational God who loves to speak to his children and if you take the time to listen, God will often speak to you. He speaks to us in different ways.  He can speak through his word, as we read and study the Bible. God can also speak to you through circumstances or even through other people. So, if you’re wrestling with trying to make sense of what’s going on in your life or in the world around you, first of all, you need to listen. 

BE PATIENT AND WAIT God said, “It is not yet time for the message to come true, but that time is coming soon; the message will come true.  It may seem like a long time, but be patient and wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be delayed.” (Habakkuk 2:3). 

Those are not words that we like to hear. Patience is a virtue, but it’s not a virtue that many of us really want to have.  We live in an impatient world and we are an impatient people.  We want what we want, and we want it right now. Impatience is always frustrating to us, but it is particularly frustrating when it comes to God because God never seems to operate on our timetable. God, we’re building a Chapel and we’d like to be in it by the end of the year.

Sometimes God takes years and years to accomplish his plans.  But his plans will be accomplished.  Sometimes, we just have to wait.  As we wait, we continue to serve God.

CONCLUSION

So, if you’re struggling with your questions of “why?” and “how long?”, take the time to stop and listen to God, remember what God has promised and most importantly, be patient, wait and serve while you wait.  In time, God will make all things right.  And when he does, the righteous will live by faith.

PRAYER

In our daily walk with you Lord, listening and waiting are difficult virtues to exhibit. Help us to always trust in you by listening and waiting on your timing. Amen.