Getting Answers to Questions

O. T. #2227 "Getting Answers to Questions"

July 4, 2022

Habakkuk 2-Part 3

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. (2:1)

LET IT GLOW

Are you seeking God's will in your life? Do you want to know which way to go, the right decision to make, and how to serve the Lord His way? If so, then follow along with us as we take a deeper look into this small book of prophecy. Let's find out what we can learn from Habakkuk.

First of all, right away the prophet tells us he had a vision from the LORD God. (1:1) The word he uses is see, which means perceive, contemplate, to have a vision of. God showed this man what was going to happen to Judah in the future because of their idolatry and other sins. They had turned away from worshiping Him.

Next, God was going to send the heathen Chaldeans (Babylon) to conquer Judah and destroy the Assyrian World Empire, as well as defeat the Egyptians, then take Judah into captivity.  (Seventy years it lasted, then a remnant returned to Jerusalem to rebuild it.) God fulfills His Word.

We read of Habakkuk asking questions of God, and he got answers.  I detect this prophet desired more than that. Will God do something to intervene? Will He judge those who oppress others? The thing is, this prophet did not know the good news that this would not last forever. So, he was seeking to know more through prayer. 

How did Habakkuk find out answers to his questions for God to answer?

• He is going to climb his watchtower, 
• stand at his guardpost,
• wait to see what the LORD says, 
• and how He will answer my question.

How can we hear God's voice and know His will for us? Blackaby tells us:

Christians habitually seek God's voice through prayer, through His Word, or through His messengers. Sometimes we fail to hear God speak through His activity. Watch for His activity so we know how we should respond and adjust our lives.

We know God is at work because what we see will astound us, and human power and wisdom will not explain it. If things happen that are direct answers to our prayers, God is speaking to us. If we want to hear God's voice, look around to see what He is doing.

[Resource: Experiencing God Day-By-Day, a devotional by Henry and Richard Blackaby]

LET IT GROW

As a Christian, God places you as a watchman for yourself, your friends, your family, and your church family. We are to be attentive to what God is saying. He will speak to us in the above ways, plus through the Holy Spirit. He can reveal ways we can help a friend, encourage others, as well as know specific dangers.

Are we listening, watching, attentive to God's activity around us? Are we faithful to His commands? Is our heart ready to obey when God speaks to us? Are we sensitive to the Holy Spirit and His message to us in all times, all locations, and under all circumstances?

LET IT GO

O God, how I need You. Every hour I need You. My One defense, my Righteousness. 

Yes, how we need You, Father God.

Teach us to be still and listen to You speak.

Open our eyes to see Your activity.

Your sheep need You today, Good Shepherd, King Jesus.

Prepare our heart to do Your will, Your way, today, for Your glory.

Father, thank You for giving us a land of the free. Keep us all safe as we celebrate today.