Trusting God When He Doesn’t Make Sense: Habakkuk 1:12-2:20
It’s one thing to see all the violence and evil in the world and think to yourself, “That’s not right!” It’s something altogether different when the violence and evil comes home: a drunk driver takes a loved one’s life; a hidden abuse comes to light; a parent buries a child; a devastating diagnosis is given; a secret affair is exposed. In those moments, our “That’s not right” becomes personal and carries a heavier weight. How do you respond in those times when your life seems upside down and God seems to let it happen?
This is where Habakkuk finds himself in 1:12-2:20. He saw Judah’s evil and asked God to deal with it. But he didn’t like God’s answer. God revealed that he was raising up a pagan, violent nation (Babylon) to judge Judah. Habakkuk couldn’t believe what he had heard. Instead of suppressing his emotions and questions, though, he brought them to God once again. He wondered aloud, “How could God allow such a violent and wicked nation to judge his people?” That didn’t seem right to Habakkuk. How could God’s people endure such violence and survive? Habakkuk learned the lesson we must all learn: We endure evil and suffering by faith in the God who will judge justly.
What are you facing that makes you cry out, “That’s not right!” Maybe it’s something that happened a long time ago, but you still can’t get over it. Learn from Habakkuk:
Don’t jump to hasty conclusions as to why bad things are happening. The only way to truly know why God allows evil is by his revelation. He’s revealed that we suffer because of Adam’s sin – general and natural evil. He gives us a category for the evil done to us by others. And he reminds us that sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. When it’s not clear, don’t jump to conclusions. Instead, cry out to God.
Cry out to the Lord. Unload your burdens to him. Appeal to his nature and character – he is holy, good, sovereign, wise, faithful. And pour out your heart in specific complaints.
Trust in the Lord. This is the lesson of Lament. Even while bringing our complaints to God, we continue trusting him to be the God he promises to be. Don’t turn to functional saviors or false gods to save you. Turn to him and trust him.
Wait on the Lord. This is hard, but when we cling by faith to God – everything he has promised to be for us in Christ – and wait for him to act, he will give us the peace that passes understanding. He doesn’t owe us an answer, but Habakkuk reminds us that it is right for us to wait for one.
The righteous will live (endure) by their faith – in the God who saves and will judge justly.
Listen to Sunday’s Message HERE.
Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)
Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings. Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org.
God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom.
Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support. Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.
Resources of the Week
Habakkuk Resources:
From Fear to Faith: Rejoicing in the Lord in Turbulent Times by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
When Pain is Real and God Seems Silent: Finding Hope in the Psalms – book by Ligon Duncan
Life at High Pointe
Young Adult Lunch | Sunday, January 25
The Young Adults will be meeting for lunch at Halal Bros (1910 W Braker Ln, Unit 800, Austin, TX 78758) after the morning service on January 25th at 12:15PM.
Senior Adult Lunch | Sunday, January 25
The Young Adults will be meeting for lunch at the Luby’s on East Anderson Ln. after the morning service on January 25th.
High Pointe Institute | Semester 2 Begins Wednesday, January 28
The High Pointe Institute (HPI) is a one-year (two semester) discipleship program meant to offer a pathway for growing disciples to be equipped for ministry both in the church and the world.This program will instill a commitment to Scripture and a better grasp of the biblical storyline, a solid foundation in Christian doctrine, and an increasing ability to connect theology to one’s life, worship, and mission. Those who took part in the first semester do not need to register again. If you would like to begin the HPI this semester, click here to register.
Women’s Bible Studies | Begin Wednesday, January 28
Mark your calendars as both the morning and evening Women’s Bible Studies begin on January 28.
Morning Bible Study Registration (Deadline to register is January 14)
Children and Student Ministry Volunteer Luncheon | Sunday, February 1
We'd like to show our appreciation to those who volunteer in children's and youth ministry by providing lunch and a time of fellowship for you and your family on Sunday, February 1, just after the morning worship service. We plan to begin serving lunch in the fellowship hall at noon. Register by January 26. Click here to register.
Spring Life Classes | Resume January 25
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Spring Life Classes will resume January 25. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
January 25 | Habakkuk 3:1-19 | Trusting God with Confident Joy | Pastor Juan Sanchez
February 1 | Luke 13:1-9 | Unless You Repent, You Too Will Perish | Pastor Juan Sanchez
February 8 | Isaiah 44:9-20 | Idolatry is Futile | Pastor Robert Cline
February 15 | Isaiah 49:1-13| Mission Extended | Pastor Robert Cline
February 22 | Luke 13:10-17 | What is the Point of the Sabbath? | Pastor Juan Sanchez
Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Gospel Partner of the Month: The P Family (High Pointe Members)
J.P. and E.P. recently relocated to begin language and cultural immersion as they pursue long-term work in their new city. They are navigating the challenges of joining a new team while adjusting to a small fellowship. Please pray for their consistency and perseverance in language acquisition, for deep and authentic friendships to develop, and for their children to thrive and find joy during this significant transition.
On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
