Building Faith in God

How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?

Habakkuk 1: 2

The prophet Habakkuk was troubled by the turbulent times in which he lived. Habakkuk questioned God because he couldn’t understand why there was evil in the world; the wicked seemed to be winning and God appeared to be doing nothing about the situation. In Judah, people had become lawless and godless. In chapter 1 he sets out his complaints. In chapter 2 God told Habakkuk to trust Him and to live by faith. For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Habbakuk 2: 14) In chapter 3 Habakkuk composed a hymn of rejoicing about who God is, and what He will do. God wants us to come to Him with our questions, struggles and doubts. His answers might not be what we expect. However, God sustains us by revealing himself to us through His promises.

Loving God, this is a deeply distressing and sorrowful time
as the coronavirus is stalking our world and taking thousands of lives.
Many more are fighting to be restored to health.
Help us to follow Habakkuk’s example of moving from doubt, to faith and trust in you.
Father, we know that you are in control of the world despite the apparent triumph of evil.
We cannot see all that you are doing, or will do;
but we know that you are God and will do what is right.
Father, please forgive us and heal our lands from the ravages of this pestilence.
Help us to see you in the goodness and generosity of people.

Yet I shall rejoice in the Lord, I will glory in the God of my salvation.

Habakkuk 3: 18

Amen

Glynne Gordon-Carter