How Long, O Lord?

Ryan Cox • February 8, 2021

2 How long, O Lord, will I call for help, and You will not hear? I cry out to You, ‘Violence!’ Yet You do not save. 3 Why do You make me see iniquity, and cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, destruction and violence are before me; strife exists and contention arises. 4 Therefore the law is ignored and justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice comes out perverted. ” Habakkuk 1:2-4

In the midst of a global pandemic, shutdowns, job losses, cities set ablaze, first responders and innocent citizens attacked or killed, fraudulent elections, unconstitutional acts, the silencing and cancelling of opposition, public promotions of immorality and debauchery, and the public support and protection of slaying innocents (abortion), we may feel as hopeless as the prophet Habakkuk.

Indeed, our situation in America seems to mirror the words of the prophet’s cry. Has the Lord abandoned us? Has He turned a blind eye to the sin and ruin? Have we reached a point of no return, of no longer worthy of our nation being saved and preserved? Is there anything we can do or look forward to?

Heed the words of the Lord spoken to Habakkuk!

1:5 Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days – you would not believe if you were told… 2:20 But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.

First, we must have unshakable faith that the God of the universe has not been dethroned; He is still in command! We trust His unfathomable wisdom when we do not understand. We are comforted by His unending grace and mercy.

Then, we are encouraged to stand and continue the Kingdom work through the love of Christ.

1:4 Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith… 3:2 Lord, I have heard the report about You and I fear. O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known.”

So we shall live by faith. We will pray for revival. We will engage in His work. We will forever love our neighbors, even those who oppose Him. We will serve with humility and share the love of our Savior and the hope of the Gospel. We will not let the trifles of man nor the powers of darkness intimidate us into inaction nor provoke us unto malice. For we are “ not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation ” (Romans 1:16).

We will let the Spirit lead, the Sword of truth pierce, and the Gospel message convert as we faithfully serve all our days as He, and He alone, is worthy to be praised.  

3:18-19 Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength.

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Summer of 2025 is two-thirds finished. We have taught at 7 different camp weeks along with 6 VBSes. Ryan and I have had a busy summer for the Kingdom. Our travels have stretched from Ohio to Colorado and all points in between. We have taught in churches and connected with many supporters and friends. This summer, as usual, ministry has taken us away from family for periods, but there has been great returns for the sacrifice - more than fifteen souls have been added to God’s eternal Kingdom and even more seeds planted with life-changing fruit produced, from the young to old. Again and again we encounter students that are fired up with a passion for knowledge of the Word of God. As these students have found answers to questions or faith-challenging issues, they are better equipped to share their faith. This summer we have had the opportunity to reconnect with many students whom we taught at a younger age. Now they are in their teens or heading to college. Their testimonies of strengthened faith because of the mission God has called us to is more than rewarding. It never gets old to meet grandparents, or even great-grandparents, during VBS that have lived their lives as followers of Christ yet have never seen the impact of Genesis to the Gospel. Just yesterday this happened with a grandmother who was overjoyed and appreciative of our teaching and message. Knowing more about dinosaurs Biblically allows for them to have new lines of communication with their cherished grandkids. Our ability to give these great warriors of the faith answers that can impact their families for eternity is priceless to us.  Please continue to lift us up in prayer as our summer is not over yet. As always, know that your support is making an impact for the Kingdom that we are eternally grateful for. If you are thinking about having us come next summer, don’t hesitate to contact us as summers fill quicker than the rest of the year. Summer has and will continue to be a crazy busy time for Kingdom work. Blessings.
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