INTRODUCTION
From the time of old even till now, we know that life is filled with questions. Asking how, why and when, we probe beneath the surface of ordinary to find satisfying answers. We must however realize that not all questions have answer wrapped, neatly tied and readily available. Unanswered questions, problems or prayers create more questions and nagging, spirit-destroying doubt and put pressure on our faith.
Responses to life questions have divided the human race into three different groups. Some chose to live with their trouble, ignoring them and moving on with life. Others become cynical and hardened. But there are those who reject those options and continue to ask, looking for answers. Which group do you belong to?
Habakkuk was a man who sought for answers. Troubled by what happened in his lifetime or what he observed, he asked some difficult questions. If ordinary persons are full of many questions, you can be sure the concerns of widows, widowers, orphans, and those who lost their loved ones will be greater.
In this discussion therefore, we consider the Book of Habakkuk as a basis for discussing some of the questions that are confronting us today.
(A) DISCUSSION: (Habakkuk Chapter one.)
1. Go through the Book of Habakkuk Chapter I and highlight some of the questions asked by him. Some of them include: (using various Bible versions)
V2 How long O LORD, must I call for help but you do not listen?
V3 Must I forever see this sin and misery all around me?
V12 O Lord my God, my Holy one, you who are eternal, is your plan in all of this to wipe us out?
V13 But will you, who cannot allow sin in any form, stand idly by while they/swallow us up? Should you be silent while the wicked destroy people who are more righteous than they?
V14 Are we but fish to be caught and killed? Are we but creeping things that have not leader to defend them from their enemies?
V15 Must we be strung up on their hooks and dragged out in their nets while they rejoice?
2(i) Having considered the questions asked by Habakkuk, and in view of some of the things thathad happened to you in life, kindly tell us some of the questions that had agitated or are still agitating your mind?
(ii) How were you able to get answers for some or all of these questions?
(iii) Discuss on the import of these verses. Habakkuk 1:4 & Eccl.8:11 but consider I Pet.3:9.
(B) GOD’S RESPONSES- Habakkuk Chapter Two
(1) Where did Habakkuk look up to for answers? What lessons must we learn from the actions of Habakkuk here?
(i) Let us read chapter two together. While paying particular attention to verses 3b, 4b, 6, 8,14, 15, 16& 17. Highlight some of God’s responses to Habakkuk’s questions.
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(C) ASAPH LIKE HABAKKUK (Psalm 73)
Verses 1-14 Like in the life of Habakkuk, mention some of the problems and questions of Asaph here.
(a) With all these problems within him and as the Chief Choir Master for the whole Land of Israel, how do you think he was feeling when he would be there before the entire congregation of Israel leading the worship session?
(b) Vs 15-20, To think was very difficult for Asaph (Vs 15) but he took a step that helped and changed his life.
(c) Vs21-25, Discuss on the conclusion of Asaph especially verse 25 compare this to the biblical injunction that we are pilgrims in this world. Heb.11: 13
(d) Is it worthwhile to be envious? Why can’t you be satisfied with the little God has done for you and give praise for the success of others?
(e) Please, discuss in detail how a widow,widower, orphan or thosewho recently lost their loved ones should respond to questions.Ps.73:14.
(D) HABAKKUK’S PRAYERS AND DETERMINATION (Chapter Three)
(i) Let us compare the responses of Habakkuk that he made through prayers in chapter three to the answers given by God.
(ii) Mention at least four new things we discovered in his responses in chapter 3 that are different from his earlier stand in chapter one.
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(iii) God’s Surprises- God more often than not take care of our many questions, even when we are still asking those questions. Compare Matt. 28:1-2 with Mark 16:1-3· While these women were still asking “who shall roll the stone away?” God had done it about six (6) hours earlier.
(iv) From your personal experience, discuss some issues that were previously very difficult and confusing but are now easier and plain to you.
(v) Habakkuk 2:17-19, Now that you know things are no longer the same, what must you aspire to do like Habakkuk?
CONCLUSION:
When Habakkuk was touched and troubled by what happened to him, he brought his concerns directly to God. After receiving God’s answers he responded with a prayer of faith and commitment. His example is one that should encourage us as we struggle to move from doubt to faith. Even if Habakkuk 2:17 happens, I pray that you will rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of your salvation. The Lord will make your feet like hinds’ feet and make you walk upon your high places. May the Lord help us. (Amen).