Remember The Past Series

INTRODUCTION

• How many of us here today believe God is in control?

• Can I get an amen?

• It is easy to trust that God is in control when things are going well, firing on all cylinders and going the way we wanted and planned.

• Praise the Lord when the stars align, and that happens.

• What about when that is not the case?

• Can you, with the same enthusiasm, shout out a big AMEN when things are not seemingly going well, not firing on all cylinders, and not the way you planned?

• Is God still in control?

• Can I get an enthusiastic amen?

• Habakkuk was in a position where he questioned if God was paying attention to all the evil God's people were doing.

• Habakkuk wondered why God was not doing anything about what Habakkuk saw happening around him.

• Do you believe God is in control?

• I do, BUT...

• No, you either do, or you do not.

• Habakkuk saw the world around him and wondered.

• God gave Habakkuk an answer, bringing more questions from Habakkuk.

• God, how can you do that?

• How can you use people more evil than the nation of Israel to punish Israel?

• Questions, questions.

• One of the goals of our faith should be to trust that God has a plan no matter what we see before us or experience.

• God is either involved or He is not.

• How can we get to that point in our lives that when asked or pondering whether God is in control, we can say YES HE IS, AMEN, no matter what is happening around us?

• We can know God is in control and has a plan to the point that we keep the BUT out of our thoughts.

• Today we examine Habakkuk 3:1-16 we will glean some principles to help us get there in life.

• Big Idea of the Message: Remembering God's faithfulness in the past is key to navigating difficult seasons. Seeing God's faithfulness in the past, in our lives, and in the lives of others encourages us that we can trust him in the present and the future.

• Let's open the Word together.

Habakkuk 3:1–2 (NET 2nd ed.)

1 This is a prayer of Habakkuk the prophet:

2 LORD, I have heard the report of what you did; I am awed, LORD, by what you accomplished. In our time repeat those deeds; in our time reveal them again. But when you cause turmoil, remember to show us mercy!

SERMON

I. Remember who God is.

• Habakkuk begins by acknowledging God's sovereignty and power.

• When we lose sight of who God is, we forget what He can do.

• What situation are you facing where you would say God is in control and has a plan, BUT...

• What situation are you facing that is bigger than God?

• What situation are you facing that you have written off God because it looks bad?

• Habakkuk had looked around him and wondered if God cared.

• We must remember that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

• Despite the circumstances, we can find peace and strength in knowing He is in control.

• In times of uncertainty, we must remind ourselves of His attributes: His love, faithfulness, and wisdom.

• It's understandable to face situations where we may question God's control or plans.

• However, it's important to remember that there isn't a situation bigger than God.

• He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and capable of working in ways that surpass our understanding.

• Even in the darkest of times, God's sovereignty remains unchanged.

• If you find yourself facing an overwhelming situation, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on God's character.

• Remind yourself of His faithfulness throughout history and in your own life.

• Remember that His love is unwavering, His wisdom is perfect, and His plans are for your ultimate good.

• Instead of writing off God because a situation looks bad, choose to trust Him and seek His guidance.

• Remember that God's perspective is far greater than ours, and He can bring beauty and redemption even out of the most challenging circumstances.

• Just as Habakkuk questioned and wrestled with God, bringing your doubts and concerns before Him is okay.

• Seek His presence and allow Him to reassure you of His control and faithfulness.

• In times of uncertainty, hold on to the truth that God is with you, and His plans for your life are ultimately for your good and His glory.

• May you find peace, strength, and renewed trust in God as you remember who He is and lean on His unchanging character.