March 1, 2005
O LORD, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” and You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me, there is strife, and contention arises. Therefore the law is powerless, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore perverse judgment proceeds.
-Habakkuk 1:2-4
Habakkuk was a prophet of God who lived more than 2600 years ago. He faced doubts and fears, but ultimately he overcame and discovered authentic and abounding faith. He was a man who knew how to conquer. His name means “one who embraces” or “one who is wrestling with God.” If we, as Believers, are going to move toward conquering victoriously in this life, we have to take several steps.
We must first step through the doorway of doubt. Habakkuk wrestled with God, and spoke of his burden in fighting for his faith. Three times he questioned God: why, why, why? Habakkuk became disillusioned because he couldn’t understand why God wouldn’t destroy the wicked. He was living in a time of moral decay and spiritual decline, and not understanding how God could allow the evil to exist.
Perhaps you can identify with Habakkuk because you are grappling with God, and questioning and fighting for your faith. You’re wondering: God, if you are good, if you are Lord, and if you love me, then why are these things happening to me? Why am I dealing with evil in my life?
In the famous classic, Pilgrims Progress, John Bunyan described young Christian’s progress in pilgrimage from salvation to the heavenly city and the journey of the believer in beautiful imagery. Christian ultimately came to a place of doubt. Bunyan called it the dark dungeon of doubt.
If you’re alive, you will deal with battles. War, death, suffering, disease, and deformity are a common part of our daily experiences. We look around and wonder how God could allow this sin and evil to continue. You may find on your way to the heavenly city, that you will be turned upside down with doubts. The fact is, we must all pass through the doorway of doubt. Faith will be tested and challenge, but you are in good company, my friend. God will conquer one day, and it will be victorious.
STEPS THROUGH THE DOORWAY OF DOUBT,
LEAD TO A VICTORIOUS FINISH LINE.