Habakkuk’s Disappointment
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and not delay.
Habakkuk 2:3
How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? (Habakkuk 1:1a) Habakkuk was disappointed and could not understand why God was silent as the Babylonians threatened Judah. He wrestled with God about its fairness.
In our move to Fort Worth, job-searching was a challenge. I interviewed 14 times for 11 school counselor positions between October and May.
Responses expressed the same words, “We’ve gone with the candidate that is the best fit for our campus.” For the first several rejections, it was easy to remember God’s plan would be revealed in the right place at the right time. However, keeping that same mindset challenged me as months rolled by, as did rejections nine and ten.
How do we handle disappointment? Let’s look at how Habakkuk handled it.
The first thing he did was take his frustration with God to God. He started with “How long must I…” then continued with “How can you…”
God answered, For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay… (Habakkuk 2:3).
He is saying, My timing is perfect. My plan is much bigger than you know.
We can learn from Habakkuk’s response.
He praised and worshiped. Lord, I stand in awe of your deeds, (Habakkuk 3:1b). The next 12 verses are statements of acknowledgment of God’s power and might (Hab 3:1-12). I heard and trembled within (3:16a).
He accepts God’s Word and asks Him to be merciful. In your wrath remember mercy! (Hab. 3:1c).
In time, God would save His people but Habakkuk recognized that he would have to be patient. Now I must quietly wait for the day of distress (Hab. 3:16b).
Dear one, in this world we will have disappointment. Let’s take Habakkuk’s example to heart, remembering all God has done for us, continue to praise Him for His goodness and mercy, remember to tremble in reverence, then wait patiently while He works.
Johna Clemons
