Text: Habakkuk 1–2 (p. 933–34) Big Idea: In chaotic times, God calls us not to control but to trust. The righteous live by faith—even when they don't understand. I. WHEN When the World Falls Apart, Start with Prayer (1:1–4) A. Habakkuk sees violence, injustice, and sin all around. B. He asks: “O LORD, how long?” C. Like Habakkuk, we must take our fears and frustrations to God, not complaining to others or venting on the internet. What burden do you need to bring honestly before God? II. God Is Doing More Than We Can See (1:5–11) A. God responds: “I am doing a work you wouldn’t believe…” B. He is raising up the Babylonians—even more wicked than Judah—to accomplish his justice. C. This doesn’t make God unjust; it makes Him sovereign. Can you trust God even when His plan is beyond your understanding? III. Lament: A Right Response to a Sovereign God (1:12–2:1) A.Habakkuk protests: “How can you use the wicked to punish the less wicked?” B. Yet he reaffirms God’s holiness and waits on God’s reply. C. Lament is not lack of faith—it’s an act of faith in God's goodness and power. How is God calling you to wait in faith rather than act in fear? IV. God’s Answer: The Righteous Shall Live by Faith (2:2–5) A. God tells Habakkuk to write the vision down—His justice will come in due time. B. “The righteous shall live by his faith.” C. This promise is fulfilled in the gospel of Jesus Christ, in whom Paul sees the true righteousness of God revealed and received by faith. (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11) Are you walking by faith or by sight in this season? V. God's Woes Against Evil Nations (2:6–19) A.Five woes against Babylon (and all who oppress, exploit, or idolize power): 1. Woe to the greedy (v.6) 2. Woe to unjust gain (v.9) 3. Woe to bloodshed and violence (v.12) 4. Woe to shameful exploitation (v.15) 5. Woe to idolaters (v.18) B. God sees and will judge wickedness—none escape His justice. Where are you tempted to trust in idols of power, security, or control? VI. God Is on His Throne—Be Still (2:20) A. “But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.” B. Even when chaos surrounds us, God remains loving, good, holy, just, and in control. Where do you need to be silent and surrender to God's sovereign rule? Application: Lament when life is confusing—God invites your honest cries. Wait for God’s justice—it will surely come. Live by faith in Jesus—trusting God when you don’t see the outcome. Reject idols—don’t trust in wealth, control, or politics to save you. Anchor yourself in Christ—our sure and steadfast hope. Key Verses: Habakkuk 2:4– The righteous shall live by his faith. Romans 1:17 – The gospel reveals the righteousness of God by faith. Hebrews 10:38–39 – Do not shrink back, but live by faith and preserve your soul. Habakkuk 2:14 – The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Closing: Your circumstances may change—but God’s character never does. The question is not if you will face trial, but how you will face it: Will you shrink back in fear or stand firm in Christ?