1. Scripture reading Rom 15:4

2. Have you ever finished watching the evening news with all the violence and injustice in the world and in frustration asked, Why isnt God doing something? Why do the wicked and the dishonest people prosper. Why do they get elected to the White House? Well, that is not a new feeling. A prophet named Habakkuk felt that way around 620 B.C. and wrote a book about it. (Bible.org) Habakkuks name means to embrace or wrestle. As is usually the case, his name has something to do with the message of the book. I think it relates to the fact that he was wrestling with a difficult issue. If God is good, then why is there evil in the world? And if there has to be evil, then why do the evil prosper? (Bible.org) Throughout his book, we see the progression of Habakkuk from questioning God to trusting Him This lesson will take a look at how this progression takes place

3. How long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Habakkuks list of problems 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.

4. This sounds kind of like America today We sometimes wonder Why does evil go unpunished Why do the wicked prosper Why doesnt God do something

5. Look among the nations and watch-be utterly astounded… Vs 6-11 go on to descibe just how evil they are Vs 11 teaches us that their actions will not go unpunished but God will still use them God doesnt always answer us in the way we want or expect Him too

6. Habakkuk appears to accept the answer Vs 13b indicates he may not have been happy about the answer even though he accepted it Lessons to learn from this section We need to let people grieve and hurt People need to work through pain and suffering People cannot remain in this state forever but there is a process to go through 2:1 Habakkuk states what he will do

7. Write the vision, it will happen Vs 4 The just shall live by faith V 5 Babylon contrasted to unsatisfied drunkard Vs 6-17 is a series of woes describing how evil people can be Vs 16-17 the time of judgment will come

8. God sometimes seems to be inactive, but He is involved God is holy God hears and answers prayers God sometimes gives unexpected answers to our prayers The righteous live by faith and faithfulness