Faithful Waiting: Trusting God's Goodness in Trials
Summary
In today's reflection, we delve into the profound message found in the book of Habakkuk, particularly focusing on the theme of waiting and trusting in God's goodness despite our circumstances. Life often places us in seasons of waiting—waiting for healing, answers, or breakthroughs. These periods can be challenging, but they are also opportunities to deepen our faith and reliance on God. Habakkuk, a prophet who faced injustice and suffering, initially questioned God about the delay in intervention. This resonates with many of us who wonder why God allows certain things to happen or why He seems silent in our struggles.
However, Habakkuk's journey is one of transformation. He moves from questioning to a place of profound faith, declaring that even if the worst happens, he will rejoice in the Lord. This shift from "until" to "even still" is crucial. It signifies a faith that is not contingent on circumstances but is rooted in the unchanging goodness of God. Even if our prayers seem unanswered, or our situations remain unchanged, God is still good, and His faithfulness endures.
This message challenges us to examine our own faith. Are we bartering with God, promising to serve Him more if He meets our conditions? Or are we willing to serve Him unconditionally, recognizing that He has already done the greatest thing by sending His Son for our salvation? Our faith should not be dependent on what God does for us but on who He is.
In times of trial, we are encouraged to choose worship as an act of spiritual defiance against the lies that suggest God is not present or good. Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God's greatness, bringing peace and joy even in the midst of difficulties. As we build our lives on the foundation of God's word and presence, we fortify our spiritual house against the storms of life. This foundation ensures that when challenges come, we remain steadfast, knowing that God is with us and will see us through.
Key Takeaways:
- Seasons of Waiting: Life often involves waiting for healing, answers, or breakthroughs. These times test our faith but also provide opportunities to deepen our trust in God's timing and goodness. Even when answers are delayed, God remains faithful. [04:03]
- Even Still Faith: Habakkuk teaches us to shift from "until" to "even still" faith. This means trusting in God's goodness regardless of our circumstances. Our faith should not be conditional on God meeting our expectations but rooted in His unchanging nature. [06:32]
- Worship as Defiance: Choosing to worship in difficult times is an act of spiritual defiance against the lies that God is not present or good. Worship refocuses our hearts on God's greatness, bringing peace and joy amidst trials. [38:03]
- Building a Strong Foundation: Our spiritual lives need a strong foundation in God's word and presence. This foundation fortifies us against life's storms, ensuring we remain steadfast and secure in our faith. [38:53]
- God's Unchanging Character: Our faith is anchored in God's unchanging character, not in our circumstances. Even in pain and uncertainty, God is good, and His faithfulness endures. This truth sustains us through life's challenges. [26:25]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:41] - Seasons of Waiting
[04:03] - Trusting in God's Timing
[05:39] - The Desire for God's Presence
[06:32] - Even Still, God is Good
[07:33] - Facing Injustice and Suffering
[08:25] - The Question of God's Delays
[09:42] - Crying Out to God
[10:26] - Political Solutions vs. Divine Intervention
[11:38] - Rejoicing in Adversity
[16:49] - The Power of Worship
[20:32] - Job's Example of Faith
[24:46] - Spiritual Nourishment
[26:25] - The Sufficiency of Christ
[28:13] - Declaring God's Goodness
[38:03] - Choosing Worship in Trials
[38:53] - Building a Strong Foundation
[41:21] - Strengthening Our Faith
[42:30] - Commitment to Serve God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Habakkuk 3:17-19
- Job 13:15
- Philippians 4:11-13
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Observation Questions:
1. In Habakkuk 3:17-19, what are the circumstances described, and how does Habakkuk respond to them?
2. How does the pastor describe the concept of "even still" faith in the sermon? [06:32]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the idea of waiting on God's timing? [04:03]
4. How does the pastor use the story of Job to emphasize faith in God's goodness despite suffering? [20:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Habakkuk's declaration of faith in chapter 3 teach about the nature of true worship and trust in God?
2. How does the pastor's personal story of healing relate to the theme of trusting in God's goodness, even when circumstances are challenging? [30:54]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that worship can be an act of spiritual defiance against doubt and despair? [38:03]
4. How does the pastor interpret Philippians 4:11-13 in the context of being content in all circumstances? [26:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were in a season of waiting. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now in light of Habakkuk's example? [04:03]
2. The pastor challenges us to shift from "until" to "even still" faith. What is one area in your life where you can practice this shift? [06:32]
3. How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine as a way to refocus on God's greatness, especially during difficult times? [38:03]
4. Consider the pastor's story of healing. How can recalling past experiences of God's faithfulness help you trust Him in current challenges? [30:54]
5. What practical steps can you take to build a strong spiritual foundation, as described in the sermon? [38:53]
6. Identify a specific situation where you have been bartering with God. How can you move towards serving Him unconditionally? [11:38]
7. How can you apply the lesson from Job's story to maintain hope and faith in God's goodness, even when facing personal loss or suffering? [20:32]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Trusting God's Timing in Seasons of Waiting
In life, we often find ourselves in periods of waiting, whether for healing, answers, or breakthroughs. These times can test our faith, but they also offer opportunities to deepen our trust in God's timing and goodness. Habakkuk, a prophet who faced injustice and suffering, initially questioned God about the delay in intervention. This resonates with many of us who wonder why God allows certain things to happen or why He seems silent in our struggles. However, even when answers are delayed, God remains faithful. We are encouraged to trust that His timing is perfect, even when we cannot see the full picture. [04:03]
"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are currently waiting for God's intervention? How can you actively choose to trust His timing today?
Day 2: Embracing "Even Still" Faith
Habakkuk teaches us to shift from "until" to "even still" faith, which means trusting in God's goodness regardless of our circumstances. This kind of faith is not conditional on God meeting our expectations but is rooted in His unchanging nature. Even if our prayers seem unanswered, or our situations remain unchanged, God is still good, and His faithfulness endures. This shift in perspective challenges us to examine our own faith and to serve God unconditionally, recognizing that He has already done the greatest thing by sending His Son for our salvation. [06:32]
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice "even still" faith in your current circumstances? How can you remind yourself of God's unchanging goodness today?
Day 3: Worship as an Act of Defiance
Choosing to worship in difficult times is an act of spiritual defiance against the lies that suggest God is not present or good. Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God's greatness, bringing peace and joy even in the midst of difficulties. It is a powerful tool that helps us to refocus our hearts and minds on God's character and promises, rather than our immediate challenges. By choosing worship, we declare that God is greater than our circumstances and that His presence is with us, no matter what we face. [38:03]
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened." (Acts 16:25-26, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine as a way to combat negative thoughts and feelings? What specific song or scripture can you meditate on today to remind you of God's presence?
Day 4: Building a Strong Spiritual Foundation
Our spiritual lives need a strong foundation in God's word and presence. This foundation fortifies us against life's storms, ensuring we remain steadfast and secure in our faith. By building our lives on the foundation of God's word, we are better equipped to handle challenges and remain rooted in His truth. This involves regular engagement with scripture, prayer, and community, which help to strengthen our faith and keep us anchored in God's promises. [38:53]
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to strengthen your spiritual foundation this week? How can you prioritize time in God's word and presence amidst your daily responsibilities?
Day 5: Anchoring Faith in God's Unchanging Character
Our faith is anchored in God's unchanging character, not in our circumstances. Even in pain and uncertainty, God is good, and His faithfulness endures. This truth sustains us through life's challenges and reminds us that our hope is not in what we see but in who God is. By focusing on His character, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that He is with us and will see us through every trial. [26:25]
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's unchanging character in moments of doubt or fear? What specific attribute of God can you meditate on today to strengthen your faith?
Quotes
1) "We find ourselves often in seasons of waiting, waiting for healing, waiting for answers, waiting for breakthrough. I'm in a season of waiting. I'm in a season of waiting for a healing, trusting that whatever the Lord's will are, He will have His way. I know my God is good. I know my God is faithful. So for the past six or seven weeks, I've been going through a new season, one that makes me look a little funny. I don't feel as rounded anymore, and I enjoy it. Unfortunately, while everything else looks good, the numbers that they're working on are worse. So I'm in a season of waiting. What's it going to take, Lord? Where are we going? Where are we going? What has to happen next?" [04:03] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Nothing should want to keep us from his presence. Nothing should want to keep us from basking in his glory. What he has brought us through, he deserves everything that we could offer up to him. I don't care if he answers another prayer request for us. He has been faithful, and he will remain faithful, and I will do all that I can to honor him. Do you understand? Until the day I die. Why? Because I know in this life, it's just a visitation I'm making now. I got an eternal life. One that I want to make sure is being lived out for Him." [06:32] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "But today, what if the breakthrough doesn't come as we expect? I want to shift our focus from focusing on until my healing, until my answers, until my breakthrough. And I want us to focus on just a little quote I had written on Facebook a few days ago to focusing on even still. Even still, my God is good. I want you to say that with me. Even still, my God is good. Whether He answers another prayer, my God is good. Whether He resolves our financial woes, whether He resolves our physical woes, whether He resolves anything else that we're suffering through, my God is good. And He is faithful." [07:33] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Habakkuk isn't saying he'll rejoice when things improve that's our problem we're bartering with God saying God if you'll do this and you'll make this happen then I'll serve you more God if you'll just work out all my time constraints I'll go to church more God if you'll just work out all my financial issues I'll be able to give more God if you'll just do all these things then I'm going to serve you I'm going to work in children's ministry I'm going to work with the youth I'm going to work in the nursery and I'm going to teach Sunday school but God you're going to have to work all these other things out we're looking for God to improve a situation when listen it shouldn't require God doing anything for us to serve him he's already done the greatest thing by saying that he sent his son to this earth because he loved you so much and that his son died for you and that should be the answer that says from now on I will do whatever I can to serve you Lord I know what your word says and I will be obedient and I will follow whether I fully understand why or whether I fully think that this is right I'm going to serve you and I'm going to search for why you are right God because see this is the thing that too often we go looking to prove our own points and our own right ways so that we can not have to do certain things in the word of God when in reality we need to follow after the things of God because it's when we're following him and being obedient to him that the light bulbs start kicking on and start going ah now I know why I'm giving like I give oh I know why I go to church every Sunday I know why I pray every day and read the Bible every day I know why I listen to worship music and magnify his name because it's in his presence that things change I promise you have a bad day turn the radio on to worship music here you go let's have a little you do a little test for me and then you can come tell me how it works maybe you have two bad days this week alright and the first day you have a bad day you turn on the worship music and you give God ten minutes of time of your time in prayer seek him and you tell me how you feel after about 30 -40 minutes in the presence of the Lord and then you have another bad day this week now brother Ryan you prophesying bad stuff don't do this I don't want bad days I know it to have another bad day Greg's already getting mad at me over there because he's like if I have a breakdown or the tire blows out it's on him and I'm calling him day two there you had to turn something else on besides worship turn you on some country music or pop music or whatever garbage you listen to and listen I'm there okay I listen to all kinds of stuff as long as it ain't foul you turn something else on and I promise you in the midst of that bad day it'll be no better at the end of the day you'll have the blues thinking about how lonely you are and how worried you are and how horrible life is and you'll have a headache afterwards there's something about being in the presence of God but listen I want to say this as well that regardless of if my day gets any better after that 30 -40 minutes in his presence I'm still going to love him and I'm still going to serve him and I'm still going to worship him and I'm still going to magnify him because it's when I continue to keep him in front of everything that my life begins to change I'm not worried about anything that's going on physically I literally told the doctor Wednesday I'm about as happy as I have ever been I have joy and it's not related to physical health I got the joy before then God was doing something for Ryan" [16:49] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "You can be as healthy as you want to be. You can be that picture, perfect example of health and still spend eternity in hell. You can be the best person that you have ever been and still spend eternity in hell because you didn't accept Jesus Christ as a person. Lord and I go back to what I said a few weeks ago Lord means he has ownership means you have no possession means that as stewards of this life we don't own it I don't own this life I don't own anything stewards don't own anything stewards don't have any possessions stewards are only controlling and monitoring and dealing with the things that are already the Lord's and I am the Lord's and all that I have is the Lord's I'm just a steward of these things for a moment and how I am using them for his glory is how Ryan's going to be judged even in pain God remains good, and our hope is anchored in His eternal faithfulness. The sufficiency of Christ is another profound truth from this passage." [26:25] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "I, you, will make it. I promise you today, you. You will make it. You will get through this life, because it is Jesus Christ who is helping you. That should bring hope to us. That should bring joy to us. That should bring happiness. No matter what problems we're dealing with, no matter what our circumstances are, no matter what you're dealing with this morning, no matter what's going on in your life, my God is still good. Is He not still good? Even still. And I know you're going through all your problems. And I know your problems are bigger than mine. You know why they're bigger? Because you're closer to it. My problems are bigger than yours, because I'm closer to my problem. I know what I'm dealing with. Brother Ryan, you don't know my suffering. I do know your suffering. But I also know my God." [28:13] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Choosing worship is an act of spiritual defiance against the lies that say God isn't present or that God isn't good did you hear me choosing to worship is an act of spiritual defiance that in the midst of all our despair in the midst of all of our problems I will praise you what's that song say I will praise you in the storm in your life when facing trials Or waiting? How can you cultivate even still faith? It begins with worship and declaring God's goodness even in our hardships." [38:03] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "No matter our circumstance whether in lack loss or uncertainty we are called to declare even still even still God is good even still walking with Christ is enough this faith looks beyond temporary to the eternal finding strength not in outcomes but in God's unchanging character what's your even still God even if you don't I'll still love you I'll still serve you what's your even still today maybe you don't have an even still maybe it's time that you find one that says today's the day that I commit to serve you Jesus Christ for the rest of my life I never want to turn back I want to try this I want to commit my whole life to you Lord everything I have physically, spiritually, financially everything I have I want to turn it over to you I just want to steward it as you've instructed because I want to tell you what when we're in the vineyard of the Lord man I'll tell you only God's vineyard produces some of the greatest grapes some of the greatest wine only God's garden produces some of the greatest plants because it's in the good soil only God's houses are built great strong and mighty because they're built on the foundation of the Lord if you don't know him this morning come find him it's not hard to simply say Jesus come into my heart change my life help me to commit my ways and my life to you from this day forward make that recommitment to you serve you God this altar's open and I ask you to pray for me Would you find a place of prayer where you can just allow him to have his way in your life? And know, sure up that foundation. Whatever storm comes, whatever storm happens, I'm going to serve you. Because I know you'll see me. Will you join me? Let's go." [42:30] (136 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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