(Habakkuk)
After God responded to Habakkuk, you can almost see the wheels of his brain turning. How could he reconcile the information just received with his knowledge of God? First, he clarified what he had heard, then he questioned God on His actions, and finally positioned himself for a reply.
Clarification
First, he repeats what he has understood back to God. “You are the everlasting God. I see it now. We will not die. You have appointed the Chaldeans for judgement. You have established them to chastise and correct your people.”
Further Questions
But somehow it doesn’t sit right, so Habakkuk further questions the Lord. “You are of purer eyes than to behold evil and cannot look upon injustice. How then can you look on this plunderer? How can you watch and not say anything? Why do you make it so men cannot defend themselves? The Chaldeans are like fishermen; they gather and then rejoice over their catch. Then they sacrifice to their net because it allows him to live in luxury. Can this go on forever?”
Positioned For a Reply
Finally, Habakkuk positioned himself to hear from God. He had spoken plainly and considered himself to have been rash. He has, after all, been talking to Almighty God. But he will wait expectantly for His response and consider how to respond when God corrects him.
Like Habakkuk, as children of God, we too have the high privilege of conversation with God, to clarify what we believe He has spoken to us, to further probe Him with the unintelligible aspects of life, and to position ourselves expectantly for His loving response.