At some point we all find ourselves in the gap – that space between what we expect and what we experience. Throughout this series we are exploring how to stay strong in our faith and wait well in the gap.

Key Takeaway

In the gap, climb higher, stand firmer, and listen closer.

The Book of Habakkuk is a raw conversation between God and the prophet Habakkuk, who wants to know why a good God would allow so much evil in the world. Habakkuk does not like what he sees, but he declares that he will climb higher and stand strong while he intentionally, and confidently waits for God’s reply to his questions.

Through his struggle to trust God and wait for him to move, we can learn how to keep our own faith strong no matter our circumstances.

We may not always understand, or like what God does, and that is okay. We can follow Habakkuk’s example by climbing higher to get a better perspective by spending time with God and bringing him our doubts and questions.

We can stand firm in our faith by joyfully acting on what we know God desires even while we wait for God to reveal clarity on what we don’t understand.

We can wait well by listening closer to what God says, and not impatiently acting on our own will. When you find yourself in the gap – climb up to your watchtower, stand firm at your guardpost and wait to see what the Lord says.

Pray

Prayer is our time to talk to God. Let this prayer inspire your conversations with God this week.

Dear Heavenly Father, you are the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. When we place our trust in you, you promise to renew our strength.

Lord, we confess that we don’t always make space for you to work in the ways you are able. Like Habakkuk in Habakkuk 2:1, help us step away from distraction and intentionally position ourselves to hear from you.

Thank you for the understanding you provide through your Word. We are grateful that you are a patient teacher. Teach us to slow down, to wait on you, and to be ready to hear your voice when we call on your name.

For it’s in your Son’s name we pray, amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your Slot and Spot and praise God for speaking with his children.

• Move of God by SEU Worship
• So Much More by Red Rocks Worship
• Always on Time by Elevation Worship

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

• Read – Habakkuk 2:1
• Read – Ephesians 6:11-12
• Read – The Secret of Hearing God
• Watch – Bible Project’s Yakhal/Hope
• Listen – Habakkuk 2 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your Slot and Spot/discussions with others.

It’s easy to feel stuck when we don’t know how something in our life is going to work out. But spiritual growth comes from continuing to follow Jesus with what we do know, even while we wait for clarity.

• Is there an area in your life right now that you’re unsure of how it’s going to work out? How has that uncertainty been affecting you? What are some things you know God is calling you to do, even if other parts of your life feel unclear?

Read Habakkuk 2:1. Even in his confusion and waiting, Habakkuk confidently waits for God’s reply.

• When you bring your complaints and questions to God, how would you describe your level of expectation that he will answer?
• What step can you take to foster your own patience to wait for God’s timing instead of rushing ahead with your own plan?

Pastor Mark reminds us that in the gap, we are called to climb higher, stand firmer, and listen closer. Which of those three is most challenging for you right now? Why?

• What would it look like for you to “climb higher” this week instead of staying at ground level with your thinking?
• Where do you feel challenged to “stand firmer” instead of pulling back or giving into uncertainty?
• What are some distractions that make it harder for you to “listen closer” to God right now? How can you create space to hear him more clearly?

Next Steps

If you’ve already attended Plugged In but haven’t joined a serving team yet, take that next step and find your place and part on our J-Team.

If you’re new to The Journey or you’re still unsure what you believe about God, gather with us next week and come back for next week’s Message Guide.