The reliability of Scriptures - 14 December 2006

How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Hab 1 vs 2

This question was asked by Habakkuk in the midst of a burden which seemed not to have an answer. If you, like me, have many questions unanswered and the word seems like it is not working, strengthen yourself from Habakkuk’s experience.

He went to the Lord and was told – the revelation awaits an appointed time and that it is about the end and not what was prevailing at the time. He was further advised to live by faith - for the just shall live by faith.

I am sure pilots can confirm that when nature gets out of control during flight (and they can’t see where they are going), they will focus their energy on the gauges. Similarly in our Christian walk, when our Father seems not be answering our prayers we are called to focus on the gauges – i.e. the reliability of the scriptures

We are called not to be offended as the man of God, John the Baptist did when he found himself in prison and sent word with his disciples to ask Jesus – “Are you the one to come or there is another?”
It is true that in life there are moments when all strength and hope is lost.

In my fundraising work there are times when I have placed my hope in a successful outcome only to be informed - sorry you didn’t make it! When I look back at the time invested in putting together the application for funding and my positive words to strengthen my colleagues during the long months of waiting for decisions to be made, it all seems my confession and faith does not work! But I am in the habit of turning every “curse” into a blessing by saying - Well I have no explanation for all this, I will learn from the experience and keep on believing that I am blessed.

In verses 17 and 18 Habakkuk made a joyous confession in which he put all his hope in Jesus Christ (Immanuel – God with us, the Word ) – “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines ….yet I will be joyful in God my saviour”.