How long, Lord, must I call for help
and You do not listen
or cry out to You about violence
and You do not save?
Why do You force me to look at injustice?
Why do You tolerate wrongdoing?
Oppression and violence are right in front of me.
Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates.
This is why the law is ineffective
and justice never emerges.
For the wicked restrict the righteous;
therefore, justice comes out perverted

-Habakkuk 1:2-4 (HCSB)

Recently, I heard a preacher on the radio teaching from the book of Habakkuk. As he taught on the fairness of God, I realized that it was something I need to be constantly reminded of in my Christian walk. What seems unfair to me is not always unfair– especially if it comes from God. My sense of “fairness” is limited to my human understanding.

I never gave much thought to the book of Habakkuk, to be honest. It’s one of those short books near the end of the Old Testament that doesn’t get quoted a whole lot. It doesn’t offer elegant, comforting promises like one will easily find in the book of Romans. However, if it is in the Bible, then it is important that I read it and make it a part of my life as I walk with Jesus. Once again, I find myself surprised by the uncanny ability of Scripture to strike me where I live and convict me of things I must work on in myself as a child of the most high God. Speaking of Romans, I know that if I persevere, good things will happen. I must remember that God’s calendar and mine are not always the same.

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. -Romans 8:28 (HCSB)