Questioning God?

What do you do when the year starts out with more problems than promises?

I've heard some so-called experts proclaiming that 2026 will be the year of increased opportunities, financial gains, personal growth, major career breakthroughs, etc. I am not sure why or when they came up with those proclamations, but my reality for the first two weeks of the year is quiet different.

My reality has been more like Habakkuk 3:17. "The fig tree has not blossomed, neither has fruit been found in the vines; the labor of the olive appears to be failing, and the fields is yielding no meat; the flock is being cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls." And as I survey the world, things are far more tragic and traumatic. Reality is ravishing hope almost everywhere and many people are relinquishing their sanity.

It's during these times that we must run to God. I initially went to Him using Habakkuk's approach of questioning God. "O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!" (Habakkuk 1:2). Despite my tears, God remained silent. I decided to use another approach and remind Him of the daily suffering I was going through. He sent me, Philippians 1:29 which says, "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." I then sat in silence.

The notion of suffering for Christ's sake has caused a shift in my spirit. I still don't truly understand why the wicked continues to prosper. I still don't appreciate the pyramid of problems falling on me. I still don't want to be in my current predicament. Nevertheless, I have a knew perspective. "In the behalf of Christ," my problems are miniscule. Satan may strike again, but Christ has already won the victory. And God reminded me that FAITH is only half the story. Faith without works is death (James 2:17). Jesus lived by faith AND suffered much as He laid down His life for me.

Now like Habakkuk, I've decided that "I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" and I will stand on all His promises as I wait on the problem solver. I will also proclaim that "The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places" (Habakkuk 3:18-19). So, if you are experiencing more problems than promises and/or you are currently questioning God, prayerfully read the book of Habakkuk. It will no doubt give you a different perspective and encourage you to seek, surrender, and serve God throughout 2026.

• Submitted by anonymous