SCRIPTURE UNION DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 (DOES GOD CARES?)
TOPIC: DOES GOD CARES?
Opening Prayer: Help me to understand the exceeding greatness of your power as I read through this passage, dear Lord.
Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1‐17
Question(s) for Reflection
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
MESSAGE
Why does the intoxicated driver escape an accident unharmed while his sober victim is seriously injured? Why do bad people prosper while good people suffer? We are often confused about what is happening in our society that we sometimes ask, “Does God care?” The distressing social and political climate and the rampant wickedness and injustice in Judah made Habakkuk to ask similar question.
He wondered why God would tolerate such wrongs (vs.1‐4). His question was similar to Job’s query (Job 24:1ff.). The answer God gave both men was not a comfortable one. Whom God would use to correct Judah (vs.5‐12) raised more questions than answers for Habakkuk ‐ an unbelieving nation to punish His people (vs.13‐15)? Our circumstances do not always immediately reveal God’s purpose, especially when these appear to favour the wicked.
However, when we do not understand God’s ways, we can trust His unchanging character (see Psalm 89:14). Habakkuk reminds us to look at our circumstances through the lens of faith, realising that whatever God allows, is ultimately for the fulfilment of His purpose for our lives (Romans 8:28).
Practice/Word Application
So what? When frustrated because you seem not to understand what God is doing, do not act rashly. Instead, wait for Him to make things clear.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Lord, help me to remember always that you are good and faithful, even when I do not understand how you are working
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
Genesis 15:1; Ezekiel 43‐45