When Life Hurts: Lessons from Habakkuk

There are some names or phrases that have become common in our discussions in the last few weeks. See if you recognize them.

Bernard Good - that would be a good name - yes!

Bernard Madoff

AIG

Bailout

Stimulus Package

Timothy Geithner

Retirement

Stocks

By the way, we may even still talk about the war in Iraq

These are discouraging times, these are frightening times, clearly we can be a bit unsettled.

So what do we do when life seems to bring more hurt and pain than it does peace and blessing?

I would like us to go back in time to read something that is some where in the vicinity of 2500 years old. What we read this morning will seem like it is coming right our of the local news paper or tv news cast. It will appear to be a commentary on the very things that trouble us.

Turn to Habakkuk

When those struggles come remember:

vss 4-7 - GREED

vss 9-10 - INJUSTICE

class=Section2> Vs 12 - VIOLENCE

Vs 15 - SEDUCTION

Vs 18 - IDOLATRY

When those struggles come remember:

You are not ALONE

What things did Habakkuk encounter in his day?

Greed - Injustice - violence - seduction - idolatry

Even though it may SEEM like it

Vss 1-4 Ever cry out to God is similar fashion

Habakkuk was struggling with personal issues (sin of Judah) and then he was going to have to struggle with historical issues (God using Babylon to do his work)

Vss 5-11 Is God’s answer. It is not what Habakkuk wanted to hear.

Vss 13

When those struggles come remember:

To stop and consider the MIGHTY WORKS of God

vs 16 Fear

Initial Fear though

What do you do with initial fear?

Vs 17

Suppose I lose my money

Suppose I lose my job

Suppose I lose my house

Suppose I lose my retirement

Suppose I lose my health

18-19

He reminded himself of the mighty acts of God

When life hurts I will . . .