PERSECUTION – WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT AND DISTANT

There are times, as we journey through our lives, God seems to be silent, and distant. Some may feel, God does not care for us, our safety, and our welfare. Especially, when Christians are subjected to prejudices, discrimination and injustice. When Christians are hounded and hunted as a prey, by the strong and the powerful, this feeling may be even more stronger. That sense of helplessness and despair; that sense of being alone and abandoned, is not so much directed towards God, but an expression of the sheer helplessness to get even the basic human rights met. Did you feel that way, any time? I did, and many others too. Some such people are found in the Bible too.

Let us read from the experience of prophet Habakkuk of the Bible.
– “1 The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw. 2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save. 3 Why do You show me iniquity, And cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife, and contention arises. 4 Therefore the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore perverse judgment proceeds.” – Habakkuk 1:1-4

Does the painful and agonising cry of prophet Habakkuk, sounds familiar to you? It is not that he is angry at God, but it is a cry of deep anguish at being violated and destroyed, on mere whims and fancies of the strong and the powerful, because they want to have their way, even if it means to violate, someone else’s legitimate rights.

God answers the cry of Habakkuk, with an answer [Habakkuk 1:5-11] that shocks the prophet into silence, only to utter these words…
– “​1 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.” – Habakkuk 2:1

Habakkuk had done the best thing. He demonstrated the right attitude in such testing times – to be silent, and wait patiently for the LORD to respond, and help us correct our vision, and make understand His righteous ways. Surely the LORD clarifies, and tell the prophet, what to do in such times when things are going from bad to worse.
– “4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: BUT THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY HIS FAITH.” – Habakkuk 2:4

When darkness is overwhelming and overpowering. When darkness seems all powerful, and that there is nothing that stop its proud, arrogant and triumphant onward march. Precisely at such times, we have to hold on steadfastly to the LORD, and place our complete and unwavering trust in His Word, and by faith, take a step forward. This is “THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY HIS FAITH” in action.

When a Christian begins to live by faith, he becomes a different person. He is not concerned about, what is happening in and around him. He places his faith in God’s trustworthiness, and trustingly believes that, God will surely make provision, and will take care of his every doubt, every fear, and every need. This faith is seen in, what Habakkuk says towards the end of this, amazing and honest conversation with YAHWEH, his God.
– “​1 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.  2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” – Habakkuk 3:1-2

The burden of chapter one hasn’t changed. The problem remains the same. But after the conversation with God Almighty, prophet Habakkuk’s burned is turned into “A PRAYER OF HABAKKUK THE PROPHET…” What a transformation, isn’t it? Small wonder then, the prophet declares at the fag end of the book…
– “17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places…” – Habakkuk 3:17-19

When things are dark, and the visibility is zero. When the powers of darkness seems to be overwhelming, and all powerful, hold on dear brothers and sisters, the LORD is at hand. He will never leave us nor forsake us. All glory to God and God alone. HalleluYah!!! May the LORD help us to walk by faith.