For anyone who has asked… “Why God?”
When studying to find a book to study with our team in Zambia, I read and was reminded of a little read book: Habakkuk. If you are like me, this book is not one you run to to read for your devotions or to seek guidance. Yet this generally overlooked book of the Old Testament has great truth to answer a question posed for centuries by Christians and skeptics alike.
I have received many responses to my last post, both good and bad. I have had time to think and pray over the situation as well as other similar ones. The question that underlies them all is: why does God allow these things to happen? More specifically, why does God allow those who are not following Him and even working against him to prosper and remain in control. I believe Habakkuk gives us the answer.
Habakkuk the prophet poses this very question to God as the theme of his book. God had raised up the Chaldeans to punish and dominate Israel. Habakkuk’s question is why does God allow such perverse people to rule and conquer. I have echoed his question. How can God appear to “stand by” and let sin run unchecked? When men in leadership positions are allowed to do whatever seems right to them, we ask why. We know God is sovereign and nothing is done on the earth without his consent, yet why does he allow such destructive leadership to remain in control? From the leadership in our country to my home church this question is even more relevant. Yet even though God appears silent now, He was not to Habakkuk, and to us when we read.
God’s answer: chapter 1 vs. 5 “Look among the nations and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” Now I know that the answer, “I’m God and have a plan you can’t see” is still not acceptable to some. But we trust God with our eternal salvation, can we not do the same with His sovereignty until then? Remember we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against our enemy’s powers. Take comfort in this book; read Habakkuk if you have ever asked this question, and seek refuge in it! God is not silent and gives us the answers if we seek!