I once wrote about an upcoming documentary by Morgan Freeman called "The Story of God," a show that interprets the function of religion in society. In the show, God is reduced to nothing but a tool that Freeman thinks Christians have created to make themselves feel better.
I'm a Christian, and not a lot of people liked the idea that I was writing about an atheist's show. One person said that the article I wrote promoted the show and questioned the existence of God. The truth is that I wrote that post to challenge people's faith and in the process, make them stronger by trying to find the truth, but the article did nothing to "question" faith.
How can we tell if our actions question or challenge faith anyway? Where do we draw the line between questioning God and challenging our belief in Him to make us stronger? Looking at Habakkuk, we see three responses from the prophet in the Bible that plainly point out what questioning God really looks like.
1. It becomes about us.
In Habakkuk 1:2a, the prophet says to the Lord, "How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?" This might as well sound familiar because many Christians (and non-Christians) who wind up questioning God start with this dilemma, making it all about us and nothing about what God can do. The same way Habakkuk thought that it was about him and his ability to pray, people who question God think it's about their intellect, their rights, their excuses and their reasons.
2. Our view of God is hazed.
Habakkuk also said in Chapter 1 verse 3, "Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?" It's true that God may allow injustice to come for discipline every so often, but God never tolerates sin. However, here Habakkuk makes the judgment that God doesn't care about sin and this is far from the truth. God never tolerates wrongdoing, but in his clouded view of God, the prophet assumes that God is okay with sin. People who question God's existence, lordship and authority often fall in this trap.
3. We question God's laws.
The fourth verse goes on to say, "So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth..." Those who question God often question the validity and power of God's Word, but the Word of God is powerful and effective and his purposes will always come to pass.
God's response in Habakkuk 1:5 is a beautiful one, "Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." What an amazing God we serve, that when even when His people question Him, He promises that He will show himself to be mighty and alive in every situation.
Do you find yourself questioning God today? It's time to invite him to amaze you!
