A long time ago, a man looked around and saw bad people doing bad things. He saw violence, wickedness, and perverted justice. He knew that this was not how the world should be. Habakkuk was a prophet in ancient Israel; he knew that his God was a holy and righteous God. So he cried out to the Lord:
LORD, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not hear?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?
Why do you make me see iniquity,
and why do you idly look at wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
So the law is paralyzed,
and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
so justice goes forth perverted.
(Hab. 1:2-4, ESV)
It is easy to see the bad things in this world and wonder where God is. It is easy for us to question why everything seems broken and the One who can help is neither seen nor heard.
Let us look at the Lord’s response to Habakkuk:
Look among the nations, and see;
wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
that you would not believe if told.
(Hab. 1:5, ESV)
Habakkuk’s complaints were focused on his surroundings and situations. God’s response was much larger, “Look among the nations.”
God is not idly sitting by; he is not ignoring the violence and evil deeds. He is working on a level we can’t fully comprehend. His plans include us but are so much more than us. The world is full of people suffering; God’s plans are even larger than this world! His plans are for the eternal redemption and reconciliation of the nations. His Son came to the earth, lived a perfect life, suffered, and died to atone for the sin that causes us to ask, “Where is God?” Through the life and death of Christ, we know that God is working for our redemption.
The death of Jesus gives us redemption but that is not where the story ends. He was raised from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God Almighty. More than just redemption, his resurrection and ascension gives us hope. He will redeem us and give us eternal life! His invitation is extended to everyone, regardless of their past deeds and actions. The struggle between life and death, hope and hopelessness, and righteousness and unrighteousness have been permanently destroyed. Christ’s death and resurrection give us life, hope, and righteousness.
This is vitally important to me because I had been complaining to God. I looked out and saw the injustice of abortion. I was completely overwhelmed by the crisis and cried out to God. I saw the violence, wickedness, and perversion of justice. I began to ask God what he was doing about this large and increasing problem. He showed me that his plans are larger than I could imagine. He showed me that it is easy to ask why God isn’t there. He urged me to ask the harder question, “How can YOU use me, God? How can I join the work you are already doing?” After all, Paul reminds us that “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10, ESV)
So, throughout our hardships and struggles, we must look to God and know that he has plans bigger than our struggles!
If you or someone you know has had an abortion, I want to say that the message of God is forgiveness, redemption, and hope. Too often, people who campaign against abortion completely forget that we must show love and give hope.
If you happen to be considering an abortion, there are many options other than the loss of a life. Please seek out these options!