Scripture Union Daily Guide 13th September 2022 Devotional Message for Tuesday – Does God Care?

Scripture Union Daily Guide 13th September 2022 Devotional for Tuesday

TOPIC: Does God Care?

OPENING PRAYER: Help me to understand the exceeding greatness of your power as I read through this passage, dear Lord.

INTRODUCTION TO HABAKKUK
Habakkuk, a contemporary of Jeremiah, ministered before and probably during the invasion of Jerusalem by the Babylonians and the subsequent exile of the Israelites. His message is not an oracle but a dialogue between him and God. Similar to Psalm 73, Habakkuk freely expressed his dilemma to God wondering why He, a good and just God, would allow wickedness to prevail in the land and worse still, use the wicked to inflict judgment on His people. God’s response led him in the last chapter to confess absolute faith in God. We too can approach God knowing that He is ever ready to listen to us.

SCRIPTURE: Habakkuk 1:1‐17

Scripture Union Daily Guide 13th September 2022 MESSAGE

Why does the intoxicated driver escape an accident unharmed while his sober victim is seriously injured? Why do bad people prosper while good people suffer? We are often confused about what is happening in our society that we sometimes ask, “Does God care?” The distressing social and political climate and the rampant wickedness and injustice in Judah made Habakkuk to ask similar question.

He wondered why God would tolerate such wrongs (vs.1‐4). His question was similar to Job’s query (Job 24:1ff.). The answer God gave both men was not a comfortable one. Whom God would use to correct Judah (vs.5‐12) raised more questions than answers for Habakkuk ‐ an unbelieving nation to punish His people (vs.13‐15)?

Our circumstances do not always immediately reveal God’s purpose, especially when these appear to favour the wicked. However, when we do not understand God’s ways, we can trust His unchanging character (see Psalm 89:14). Habakkuk reminds us to look at our circumstances through the lens of faith, realising that whatever God allows, is ultimately for the fulfilment of His purpose for our lives (Romans 8:28).

Question(s) for Reflection
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?

Practice/Word Application
So what? When frustrated because you seem not to understand what God is doing, do not act rashly. Instead, wait for Him to make things clear.

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
• Lord, help me to remember always that you are good and faithful, even when I do not understand how you are working

Offer a prayer of faith in line with Genesis 15:1

One Year Bible Reading Plan
Ezekiel 43‐45.

NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN

Tue, 13-Sep-2022

PRAYER FOCUS

CARING FATHER
Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation
Psalm 68:5

THANK GOD FOR:
☀ Our God who is a father of all, over all, through all and in all.
☀ The blessings we have in Christ, even Spiritual blessings in heavenly places.

PRAY FOR:
☛ Increased fear of God among us in SU so we can continue to enjoy God’ s good gift and perfect gift.
☛ The mercy of God in this end time especially with the increased hardship and great discouragements.
☛ Deliberate decision to go the Jesus way no matter what we see, face or hear.

PRAY AGAINST:
⚠ Becoming discouraged and becoming weary due to the hardships, thinking God does not care again.
⚠ Allowing the spirit of fear instead of reminding ourselves that our God has the final say.

Scripture Union Daily Guide 13th September 2022. Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. Scripture Union Daily Guide 13th September 2022