Learning from Habakkuk, Part 3 (Conclusion)

Objectives:

1) To provide prayer coaching insights to inspire and encourage you to keep praying in spite of external circumstances and even though present conditions seems to worsen;

2) Enhance your knowledge about your position, perspective and perception of prayer;

3) Provide wisdom and understanding to new converts struggling to develop and maintain a consistent prayer life;

In part two we learned that after God shared His plan with the prophet, he repented for being rash in his approach and dialogue with God. Although he didn’t understand God’s plan to use the Chaldeans (Babylonians) to chastise the nation of Judah, he accepted God’s decision and would have to TRUST God.

We learned that we should get in position , watch and pray to see and hear from God. Now, here we are at the conclusion of the lessons to be learned from Habakkuk. 

After God shared with Habakkuk what was ahead for Babylon—destruction even for the wicked nation He used to chastise Judah, the prophet understood that no one is exempt from God’s judgment.  In chapter three, we find the prophet praying in sung.  Yes. His prayer was sung. It was a plea for mercy!  At the core of intercessory prayer is the cry for God’s mercy. After his plea for mercy the prophet concluded with praise for the Mighty God (3:1-2).

So often, we don’t understand or like how God brings about justice, or works to bring His plans and purposes to pass. Yet when we see the outcome, or even grab hold to the promise of a victorious outcome, we can only marvel at His wonderous works and give Him praise.  This was the case with Habakkuk. Again, this is why prayer is so important.  Having a relationship with Him where you can approach Him and have dialogue. Communicating with the Almighty God positions you; more important, it conditions you to agree with His plan and trust Him to always do what is just and right for everyone concerned.  And the one thing that helps condition you to say, “Yes” to His will and way of doing things is PRAISE!

In all your prayers always praise!  In essence, Habakkuk concluded by saying, all that I’ve heard that’s going to happen is fearful, but I’m going to wait in expectation of what God has said. Although disaster and destruction is coming, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength!  He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights (Habakkuk 3:16-19).

What can we learn from this? Align and agree with God’s will and the plan He uses to fulfill His purposes. Posture yourself in prayer to be conditioned for whatever He allows. Even if disaster and destruction comes upon us, know that God is just.  Because of your relationship with Him, you can trust His plan even if what He has shared has terror shaking consequences.  Nevertheless, give God praise for He is Sovereign and He is your strength.

Remember when praying always praise!

 

 

Related articles

• Insight: Learning from Habakkuk, Part 1 (prayercoachingprinciples.wordpress.com)
• Learning from Habakkuk, Part 2 (prayercoachingprinciples.wordpress.com)
• You’ve got to love Habakkuk (freedomintheology.wordpress.com)