Even If

Even if the fig tree does not blossom, and there is no fruit on the vines, if the yield of the olive fails, and the fields produce no food, even if the flock disappears from the fold, and there are no cattle in the stalls, yet I will triumph in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength, and He has made my feet like deer’s feet, and has me walk on my high places.

They are age-old questions: Why do the wicked flourish? Why does sin prevail? And why is our rescue delayed longer than we’d like? These questions surface frequently throughout Scripture. They’re asked by ordinary people and prophets, kings and followers of God who abide by his law.

Habakkuk, an Old Testament prophet to the southern kingdom of Judah, began his oracle by asking God the same questions.

During this time in Israel’s history, the Chaldeans (also referred to as the Babylonians) were rising to power. Habakkuk wrestled with their victories over God’s people, and he questioned God: “Why do you idly look at wrong?” (Habakkuk 1:3).

Habakkuk did not mince words, nor did he turn away from God. He went to God with his complaints and questions, and God answered him and revealed his greater purpose: he was raising up the Chaldeans as a judgment for the Israelites’ disobedience (see verses 5-12). Habakkuk seemed to have a moment of understanding and insight, but then he pressed further: “Why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he?” (verse 13).

God responded with yet another reminder of his swiftness to offer mercy and his perfect timing to bring salvation. He reminded Habakkuk that his word never fails: “If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:3). God widened Habakkuk’s narrow vision and helped him see that the wicked don’t get away with sin forever, but the righteous will live by faith (see verse 4).

Hope in God’s mercy and justice hinges on our willingness to believe he will fulfill his promises. By faith we ask God “Why?” and by faith we receive reminders of his character. By faith, we wait, watch, and listen for God’s plans to unfurl, and by faith, we repent of our sins, receive his forgiveness, and rejoice in his salvation (see Psalm 73).

Have you ever found yourself in Habakkuk’s position, questioning why God allows the wicked to flourish? I know I have. I ask these questions when I read the news, when I hear about another injustice, or when I struggle to grasp why Christians around the world face relentless persecution for their faith in Jesus.

In the end, God turned Habakkuk’s “Why?” questions into “Even if” statements of faith. Habakkuk saw a sliver of God’s providence, and he decided to wait in faith (see Habakkuk 3:17-19).

He resolved to trust in God and rejoiced in him . . . even if the very worst happened. It is by faith that we believe God is good, God is just, and God is faithful, even when our physical eyes can’t see it.

Word before World We can ask God “Why?” when life doesn’t make sense. And we can hold on to hope, even if our circumstances look bleak from a human perspective. God is still at work.

Grow in Grace When was the last time you asked God “Why?” Write out your own “Even if” statements, committing to put your hope in God no matter what comes.