Can I Ask God, "Why?" - Yup, and it's Important You Do

From the Sermon shared February 2, 2025 on Habakkuk 1

Jeff Sermon 2-2-25

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Life is filled with highs and lows, and often, we find ourselves caught in the middle, wondering where God is in our struggles. The message of the prophet Habakkuk serves as a reminder that while we may experience hardship, there is always a promise on the other side.

The Warning and the Promise

Throughout history, God's people have faced trials. The prophet writes of difficult times ahead but assures us that deliverance will come. It’s easy to heed the warning, but we often forget about the promise that follows. The same applies to our lives: we endure hardship, and in the midst of it, we feel stuck. We believe God is with us, but we question why our circumstances don't change. The truth is, even in suffering, there is hope.

Drawing Close to God in Every Season

People tend to seek God in extreme moments—when things are overwhelmingly bad or exceptionally good. But what about the day-to-day? Many of us go through life on autopilot, forgetting that God is present in every moment. The prophet reminds us that we should walk with God daily, trusting Him through every season, not just in crisis or celebration.

A Prophet’s Role and a Message for Today

Habakkuk was likely a temple prophet, leading worship and reading scripture to the people. His words carried weight not just because of his position but because they resonated with both Old Testament scholars and early Christians. The message of impending hardship and ultimate deliverance was pivotal then, just as it is now. It reminds us that faith is not about avoiding difficulties but about trusting God through them.

Faith in the Face of Loss

Personal experiences often deepen our faith. When the author’s father unexpectedly passed away, he was forced to confront his own beliefs. Would he trust God despite the pain? Would he hold onto faith even when life made no sense? These are questions many of us ask in the wake of loss, betrayal, or suffering. The reality is, either we believe in God's faithfulness, or we don’t. Faith is not circumstantial—it is a commitment to trust God no matter what.

God’s Response to Our Questions

Habakkuk, like many of us, cried out to God: Why do the wicked prevail? Why does injustice continue? Where are You in all of this? Instead of rebuking him for questioning, God responded with assurance. He didn't promise immediate relief but rather reminded Habakkuk that He was still in control. Even when life seems unfair, God is at work in ways we cannot see.

Free Will and the Reality of Evil

One of the hardest questions in faith is why evil exists. The answer lies in free will—God allows humanity to make choices, even when those choices bring pain. Just as parents allow their children to learn from mistakes, God allows humanity to exercise free will, hoping we will choose Him despite the world’s brokenness.

Permission to Ask ‘Why’

Many people feel guilty for questioning God, but Habakkuk shows us that asking “why” is an act of faith, not doubt. When we wrestle with difficult questions, it strengthens our trust in God. The challenge is being willing to sit in the silence, waiting for His answer, even if it’s not what we expect.

A Call to Faith

At the core of Habakkuk’s message is a call to faith. God doesn’t always promise immediate solutions, but He does promise His presence. Whether we are celebrating victories or facing devastation, He is with us. Faith is not about convenience—it’s about commitment. The question is, will we trust Him in every season?

Final Thoughts

If everything in life was random, there would be no hope. But because God is real, we have a reason to keep going. We may not always understand His ways, but we can trust that He is working all things for our good. So, are we willing to ask God “why”? And more importantly, are we willing to wait for His answer?

Prayer: God, thank You for walking with us through every season. Help us trust You even when life doesn’t make sense. Strengthen our faith, and remind us of Your promises. Amen.