An Encouraging Word

God Is A Work

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. – Habakkuk 1:5 (ESV)

I heard a statement the other day while in a conversation with a fellow pastor.   The statement was, “I don’t know about you, Tim, but I am worried about America.”  Certainly this is a statement that many of us have made in recent years.

Habakkuk was concerned about his nation as well.  As he looked at his nation, it appeared that the wicked were prospering while the righteous suffered.  So Habakkuk, in conversation with God, began asking some questions.  The first question was basically asking God why He was silent and inactive.  The response God gave to Habakkuk is a response that I find very intriguing.  He said, “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.” 

God’s response to Habakkuk was basically, open your eyes, look around and you will see that I am at work.  As a matter of fact, God said that when you look and see that you will be astounded at the work I am doing.

Have you ever been like Habakkuk, crying out to God about how unfair it seems that the righteous are suffering while the godless seem to prosper.  I think if we are honest, we have all been there at some time in our lives.

I would encourage you to heed God’s response to Habakkuk when you find yourself having this pity party next time.  Look around you and recognize that God is at work.  You will be amazed by what you will see when your focus moves from self to others. 

Henry Blackaby reminded us in his book EXPERIENCING GOD, several years ago that God is always at work around us and He invites us to join Him in His work.  May this reality become our reality as well, God is doing His part, are we doing ours?

“Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun…”

In Christ,
Brother Tim