Habakkuk 1-3 Bible Study: Write the Vision-From Doubt to Faith-Prayer Prompts
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God's Astounding Work: Habakkuk 1:5 and God's Divine Intervention
From Deepest Doubt to Faith
“Look among the nations and watch—
Be utterly astounded!
For I will work a work in your days
Which you would not believe, though it were told you. Habakkuk 1:5
Who was Habakkuk? The Doubting Thomas of the Old Testament
This book, Habakkuk is a conversation between Habakkuk and the Lord, he questions and complains to God, and the Lord replies to his complaints. It is a book of deepest doubt to faith. Habakkuk has been called the Doubting Thomas of the Old Testament.
This is reminiscent of the world in which we live in today. Have you ever thought what is happening doesn't make any sense? This is what Habakkuk is thinking.
The Structure of Habakkuk: A Conversation Between Prophet and God
Habakkuk's dialogue with God follows a clear pattern: The Doubts (Habakkuk's questions to God about divine justice), God's Answers (judgment and promises), and The Shouts (Habakkuk's response of faith and praise).
Habakkuk's First Question: Will God Punish Our Nation? (Habakkuk 1:1-4)
Understanding Divine Justice in Times of Wickedness
Will you punish our nation?
Habakkuk wonders if God will allow Judah's sins to go unpunished. The Babylonian captivity was the answer.
God's Astounding Answer: "Look Among the Nations" (Habakkuk 1:5)
God's Astounding Work: Habakkuk 1:5 and God's Divine Intervention
Look among the nations and watch— Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you." Habakkuk 1:5
God's Answer: Judgment Through Babylon (Habakkuk 1:6-11)
The Babylonian Captivity as Divine Discipline
God's Answer: Judgment Through Babylon
I will through your foes! God begins the things I told you are in the future but they will come quick, it will happen.
Habakkuk's Second Question: Will God Punish the Wicked? (Habakkuk 1:12-2:1)
Wrestling With God's Use of Evil Nations
Will you punish our foes?
Habakkuk's second question challenges God's use of a wicked nation to discipline His people.
God's Promise: Write The Vision-the Just Shall Live By Faith (Habakkuk 2:2-4)
The Just Shall Live By Faith (Habakkuk 2:4) The righteous will live by faith and put his trust in God as said by Habukkak.
Paul's use of Habakkuk 2:4 in Romans 1:17 and Galations 3:11
The righteous shall live by faith -important phrase quoted also by Paul in Romans 1:17, and Galations 3:11, saying we are saved by grace.
God's Second Answer and Coming Judgment: Five Woes Against Babylon (Habakkuk 2:5-19)
God's Promise: Babylon's Coming Judgment
I will, through my woes! God informs Habakkuk that Babylon, Judah's foe, would herself be punished for her sins.
The Earth Filled With God's Glory (Habakkuk 2:!4)
"For the earth will be filled
With the knowledge of the glory of the Lord,
As the waters cover the sea." v 14
God is going to do something better. the whole earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord.
Be Still and Know: God's Call to Patient Trust (Habakkuk 2:20)
"But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (Habakkuk 3:20), the Lord's response in chapter two. We are to wait, be still and know that He is Lord (Psalm 46:10), be patient, and trust in the Lord.
Habakkuk's lament transforms into one of Scripture's most powerful declarations of faith: "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord" (Habakkuk 3:18).
This transformation from doubt to faith mirrors our own spiritual journey. Before we dive into this rich Bible study, let's prepare our hearts with worship:
Great Are You Lord - Worship Song
This beautiful worship anthem echoes Habakkuk's ultimate response to God's revelation. Despite circumstances, despite unanswered questions, we declare: "Great are You Lord, and worthy of glory." Just as Habakkuk learned to trust God's character even when he couldn't understand God's ways, we too can worship the Lord for His greatness, His faithfulness, and His sovereign plan. As you listen, let your heart join with Habakkuk in proclaiming God's majesty.
Now, let's explore Habakkuk 1-3 and discover how to write the vision, live by faith, and trust God even in the waiting.
Habakkuk's Prayer of Praise: A Psalm-Like Response (Habakkuk 3)
Habakkuk 3:2 - Seeking God's Mighty Presence
Habakkuk gives his final response to the Lord in chapter three. This chapter reads like a Psalm, a song of praise, an exaltation, using Selah, which is used often in Psalms to pause, and reflect.
Habakkuk says, Make your presence known and mighty like you used to do Lord. (Habakkuk 3:2)
The Prophet's Soul Revived, Eyes Reassured, Heart Rejoiced
The Shouts: Habakkuk's Response: From Doubt to Faith and Praise
- The Prophet's Soul is Revived (Habakkuk 3:2)
- The Prophet's Eyes are Reassured (Habakkuk 3:3-16)
- The Prophet's Heart Rejoiced (Habakkuk 3:18)
- The Prophet's Feet are Renewed (Habakkuk 3:19)
The Lord God is My Strength: Habakkuk 3:19Â
"The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills." (Habakkuk 3:19)
From Doubt to Faith: Habakkuk's Transformation
Surrendering to God's Will Without Full Understanding
Habakkuk surrenders to God's will that he didn't fully understand
Trusting God's Higher Ways: Surrendering to Divine Wisdom (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God knows best, we don't. I submit and I trust in you Lord. Your ways are higher than my ways, your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Choosing Joy Despite Circumstances
I will rejoice!
Application: Finding Calm in Chaos Through God's Strength
Refocus on Jesus and Feel God's Strength
Fix your eyes on Christ as the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2), by:
- Praying consistently, without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- Daily Bible reading
- Praise and worship
- Community, which strengthens stability, unity and effectiveness in your life
Draw From Biblical Principles (Philippians 4:8)
Draw from Biblical principles to keep your mind on what is true, honorable and pure (Philippians 4:8).
Prayer Prompts for Reflection: Your Journey from Doubt to Faith
- Honest Questions to God: "Lord, what situation in my life doesn't make sense to me right now? Where do I see injustice that troubles my heart?"
- Waiting in Silence: "God, help me be still and know that You are Lord in this moment. Teach me to trust Your timing even when I don't understand."
- Remembering God's Mighty Works: "Lord, remind me of a time when You showed Your power in my life. Revive my soul with the memory of Your goodness."
- Trusting God's Higher Ways: "Father, where am I trying to understand instead of simply trusting? Give me peace in the mystery of Your plan."
- Choosing Joy Despite Circumstances: "Even though __________ [name your difficulty], I will rejoice in You. Lord, be my strength when I have none of my own."
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Living by Faith: "What step of faith are You calling me to take today? Strengthen my faith to believe what seems unbelievable."
Experience God's Presence in Difficult Times. Find Strength and Safety in the Lord of Hosts. Trust God’s timing and sovereignty, rather than relying on visible circumstances.