Habakkuk 2:1 (NIV) – I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
When you have prayed and prayed. When you have done all that you know to do and yet the answer has not come, what do you do? Habakkuk teaches us, take position.
The prophet Habakkuk in chapter 1 of this small book in the Old Testament, has just finished an intense, honest session with God, complaining, questioning, expressing his feelings and frustrations. He is very concerned about the things going on around him, among God’s people. He sees the sin, the disobedience, he is really burdened. And he has faithfully been taking his burdens to the Lord in prayer, and for a long time, it seems. He is burdened not just because of the people’s sin but also because it seems to him like God is not doing anything about this whole thing. So he is asking God some serious questions. But God seems silent!!
In the second half of chapter 1, God finally replies. God gives Habakkuk a reply he least expected. God says He is raising up the Chaldeans to discipline the Israelites! And Habakkuk is like whaaat??? Those cruel and ruthless people? I know I wanted You to do something, and do something fast. But…this?? How could you a good and holy God, use those cruel and unholy people to accomplish your work? And Habakkuk continues to wrestle with God.
But now, in chapter 2 and verse 1, we see a huge change in attitude, a submission and surrender in Habakkuk that is worthy of note. When all the wrestling is done, when all the questions have been asked, when all the burdens have been laid out before the Lord, now Habakkuk, takes his hands off and steps back. He says I will step back, ponder, listen and try to understand, the Lord and His ways. There is a sense of anticipation, an excitement to look forward to watching God in action.
There is a lesson here for all of us. What is it that you have been praying about for years? Have you received unexpected answers that have taken you by surprise? Would you join Habakkuk and take position. Be still and wait on Him. Wait in anticipation and eagerness. Trust God and His ways!
Dear Lord, help me to wait in eager anticipation, to trust You and Your ways wholeheartedly, I pray.