Glorifying God in the Waiting

Dear Sister in Christ,

When Marcie asked me to write a devotional on Habakkuk, I thought – who? I had to dive deep into this minor prophet and really understand the context of times he was writing in. Luckily, the book is only three chapters!

Habakkuk was a prophet during some of the most turbulent times in Judah (BC 605-562). This was during the time of Babylonian domination. And dominate they did. During this terrible tyrannical time, Habakkuk is prophesying, preaching and praying.

Habakkuk is in constant prayer and worship during the most difficult of times for himself and his community. Wow.

What also stood out was his feeling of responsibility for praying faithfully for his community.

This was a time of extreme violence and chaos. God’s intended order appears to be totally missing. God promises Abraham that He will bless families of the earth of Habakkuk’s community (Gen 12:1-3). Yet there doesn’t appear to be any blessings happening during these times. The righteous people of Judah cling to God and His will for human life, and for God to set things right. The intentions and actions of the people are distorted by the evil surrounding them. They feel completely helpless (Habakkuk 1 and Habakkuk 2). Does this sound familiar? What does Habakkuk do (Habakkuk 3)? He turns to God in prayer and constant worship, asking for healing. God doesn’t answer his prayer. Isn’t this a dilemma for each one of us? What are we to do when our prayers are unanswered? What do we do ‘in the waiting’? When we are waiting for God’s will for peace in the world, yet we see war; when we are waiting for good on earth, and instead we see evil? What do we do when we are waiting for our spouse to live for the Lord, and we see him chasing after worldly things; when we see God’s word being twisted and our children living in a state of confusion? The irony is the frustration that Habakkuk feels. This frustration doesn’t come from doubt, but rather from a lively faith! A person of great faith stays in communion with God and in community with other Christians, despite their circumstances. The person of great faith KNOWS and has experienced the holiness of joy and security that only comes from walking with God. The person of faith can feel the Spirit in them and see God in things others can’t. So, what are we as the church to do in the face of such evil in the world, or ‘in the waiting’?

This should be our focus – Glorifying our King. My sweet sisters, suffering will take place. Let me ask you to think back on a time in your life of great suffering. Did you grow closer to God and therefore further His Kingdom? For me, when I think of great suffering, I think of my painful divorce. This wasn’t an ordinary divorce. It was constant custody battles for 10+ years. The pain it caused my children, my family, my heart. I was without hope. I was weary. I went to a 12-step Bible based recovery program (Celebrate Recovery / Regeneration) struggling with intense shame and the strong need to people please. Coming out of that program, through the power of the Holy Spirit, God opened my eyes! Chains broke free. My real struggle wasn’t shame or people pleasing. My struggle was my flesh. My own pride and need for control. I needed to make amends and receive God’s forgiveness for tearing apart my family. It was incredible the day I realized that Jesus died for me, that He thought of me on the cross. That the forgiveness was mine, that I was loved. That my identity was in Him and He was in me. All I needed to do was to reach out to Him and take that forgiveness. I personally could not achieve that level of awareness, it came from God, so He gets all the GLORY! God established HIS reign in my heart. In the power of the Spirit, we can work with God’s purpose ‘in the waiting’! (Psalm 85:10-12) The church’s ultimate goal is that every knee is bent and every tongue is confessing Christ’s Lordship. So, the prayer is “Oh God, in the midst of suffering, renew us! Bring your kingdom to this earth, as it is in Heaven.” Habakkuk’s prayer (3:1-4) is the prayer to all God’s people. In the midst of tough years, renew us through your work. Oh Lord, do what you did for those before us. Work among us as you worked among them. In the waiting, until you come and bring salvation to all, let me praise you! As the book of Habakkuk moves on, he sees what we have been promised. God’s victory over all the earth and the establishment of His kingdom.

Just like Moses at the top of the mount, seeing the promised land. (Duet 34:1-4) Just like the Christians being offered a foretaste of wine at the Lord’s table. (Mark 14:25) Just like Peter, James and John being given that vision of Jesus in dazzling white with Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration and God declaring Him His son. (Mark 9:2-8) Habakkuk is granted the foresight of God’s purpose accomplished. Just imagine that vision. (Psalm 48:10; 18:12) In summary, Habakkuk is saying come what may, we can rejoice and even have joy because God is our salvation. The Lord is our strength. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Therefore, no circumstances can rob my joy and faith in knowing God is working His purpose out and will bring it to completion.

Read Habakkuk 3:1-4. These verses are part of a prayer by the prophet Habakkuk. He acknowledges the fame and deeds of the Lord and asks for God to manifest His power and mercy in their time. The verses also describe God's glory, splendor, and power using poetic language. Sisters, pray with me “The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is at work fulfilling His purpose. His Kingdom comes, and ‘in the waiting’ I will live by faith!

---

Scripture for Deeper Study:

• Habakkuk 3:1-4 (or the whole book since it's a short read.)

• Genesis 12:1-3

• Mark 9:2-8

Application:

1. Journal about a recent or ongoing season of suffering you are currently facing. How can you intentionally seek to glorify God in the midst of this trial? What practical steps can you take to align your thoughts, words, and actions with giving Him glory?

2. Have you ever witnessed or experienced examples of women who demonstrated a remarkable ability to give God glory in the face of suffering? What were the circumstances, and how did their testimony impact you?

Application Question for Mothers:

How can you intentionally incorporate moments of worship and gratitude into your daily interactions and routines with your children? Reflect on practical ways you can infuse your parenting with a focus on glorifying God. For example, you could consider:

• Starting the day with a prayer or a moment of gratitude together as a family

• Incorporating regular family devotionals or Bible reading time to instill spiritual values in your children

• Encouraging your children to express thankfulness and praise to God for specific blessings or answered prayers

• Modeling forgiveness and grace when conflicts or challenges arise, pointing your children towards God's love and mercy

• Teaching your children about God's character and His role as their Heavenly Father, helping them develop a personal relationship with Him

By actively seeking to give God glory in your parenting, you can create an environment where your children witness and experience His presence and love firsthand.