Highland Baptist Church

10/21/2026

Tuesday — Honest Questions, Real Faith

Scripture

Habakkuk 1:13 (CSB)

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil,
and you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.
So why do you tolerate those who are treacherous?
Why are you silent
while one who is wicked swallows up one who is more righteous than himself?

Historical Context

Habakkuk’s time was marked by injustice and violence in Judah, and now God had revealed Babylon would be his instrument of judgment. Habakkuk can’t reconcile God’s holiness with Babylon’s cruelty and asks why God allows such evil to prevail—questions that would have echoed his people’s fears and confusion.

Devotional

Habakkuk does not shy away from asking God the hardest questions. He brings his confusion and even his frustration directly to the Lord. This is not disrespect or faithlessness—it is the honest grappling of a believer who knows God’s character yet cannot see how it fits with current realities. Habakkuk’s questions are raw: Why does God let the wicked succeed? Why is he silent when evil seems to win?

The sermon offered an everyday parallel: like a child honestly asking a parent why a difficult rule or decision has been made, even when they don’t understand. Sometimes, as adults, we feel the need to clean up our prayers, to hide our doubts or confusion from God. But God invites us to bring our unfiltered questions to him, trusting that he is big enough to handle them.

If you are carrying questions that feel too heavy or complicated to voice, let Habakkuk’s example encourage you. Real faith is not the absence of questions, but bringing those questions straight to the God who loves you. The cross of Jesus is the ultimate proof that God meets us in our confusion and suffering—not with easy answers, but with his own presence and love.

Reflection Questions

What questions about God or life have you been afraid to bring to him in prayer?

How might your relationship with God change if you trusted him with your real, unfiltered questions?

Action Steps

Set aside ten minutes today to honestly tell God one thing that confuses or frustrates you.

Write a short prayer expressing your questions, even if they feel unresolved.

Do you have a prayer request or question you would like to share with the church staff?

Do you want to receive this via text message?

Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

10/20/2026

Monday — Anchoring Faith in God’s Character

Scripture

Habakkuk 1:12 (CSB)

Are you not from eternity, Lord my God?
My Holy One, you will not die.
Lord, you appointed them to execute judgment;
my Rock, you destined them to punish us.

Historical Context

Habakkuk was a prophet in Judah during the late 7th century BC, just before the Babylonian invasion. He witnessed a time of moral and spiritual decline among God’s people and cried out for God to intervene. God’s answer—to use the ruthless Babylonians as instruments of judgment—left Habakkuk struggling to understand how a holy God could work through such wickedness.

Devotional

In this verse, Habakkuk anchors his turbulent questions in what he knows about God’s character. Before pouring out his confusion, he reminds himself that God is eternal, holy, and his personal rock. For Habakkuk’s first listeners—and for us—this was more than theology; it was lifeline. Even as he wrestled with God’s mysterious ways, Habakkuk clung to what was sure: God’s unchanging nature.

Imagine standing in the middle of a violent storm, the winds howling and the world spinning. In that chaos, the only way to remain steady is to hold tight to something immovable. Habakkuk does just that. The sermon compared this to clinging to a rock when everything else feels like shifting sand. The rock doesn’t stop the storm, but it keeps you from being swept away.

Life will bring storms that threaten our sense of security and understanding. Like Habakkuk, you can start your prayers by recalling who God is—eternal, holy, steadfast. Even when God’s answers raise more questions, his character remains the anchor for our faith and hope. The gospel assures us that this unchanging God is for us in Christ, holding us fast whatever the storm.

Reflection Questions

When have you needed to remind yourself of God’s character before bringing him your deepest questions?

How does knowing God is your “Rock” change the way you pray in uncertain times?

Action Steps

Write down three truths about God’s character and post them somewhere visible today.

Begin your next prayer by addressing God with one of these truths before sharing your concerns.

Do you have a prayer request or question you would like to share with the church staff?

Do you want to receive this via text message?

Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

10/19/2026

Faith While We Wait: Trusting God When Answers Raise More Questions

Sermon Reflection from Habakkuk 1:12–2:5

Have you ever prayed for an answer and, when it finally came, found yourself with even more questions? We long for clarity, but sometimes God’s answers don’t resolve our anxiety—they deepen our sense of mystery and dependence. This tension is at the heart of the prophet Habakkuk’s story, and it still speaks powerfully to us today.

When God’s Answers Don’t Make Sense

Habakkuk cried out to God over the violence and injustice among his people. God answered, but not as expected: He declared He would use the ruthless Babylonians to judge Judah. This answer didn’t bring relief—it brought even heavier questions. Why would a holy God use a nation even more wicked than Judah as His instrument? Habakkuk was left wrestling with God’s methods and timing.

Yet, in the midst of confusion, Habakkuk anchored his heart in what he knew about God’s character. He called God “from eternity…my Holy One…my Rock” (Habakkuk 1:12). Even when he couldn’t explain God’s actions, he trusted God’s goodness and sovereignty.

“Now, you and I may not be able to explain God’s hand, but we can absolutely trust God’s character.”

How to Live by Faith While You Wait

The challenge of faith isn’t just to wait for God’s answers—but to trust Him when those answers raise more questions. Here’s what Habakkuk models for us and what you can do in your own season of waiting:

1. Anchor Yourself in God’s Character

Before pouring out his confusion, Habakkuk reminded himself who God is: everlasting, holy, and faithful. When you face uncertainty, begin by recalling God’s unchanging nature. He has seen the beginning and the end. His motives are always pure.

2. Bring Honest Questions to God

Habakkuk didn’t hide his confusion. He brought raw, honest questions before the Lord:

“Why are You silent while one who is wicked swallows up one who is more righteous than himself?” (Habakkuk 1:13)

God isn’t threatened by your questions. Faith doesn’t mean pretending to understand everything. It means bringing your struggles to the One who knows all.

3. Wait Attentively for God’s Response

Habakkuk “stationed himself on the lookout tower” (Habakkuk 2:1), expecting God to answer. He created space to listen, not just speak. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to shoot up a quick prayer and rush on. Instead, carve out intentional time to listen for God’s direction—even if it means waiting longer than you’d like.

4. Reject Self-Reliant Pride

God warns against the prideful spirit of Babylon, “his ego is inflated; he is without integrity, but the righteous one will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). True faith is steadfast reliance on God, not on our own ability to control outcomes.

5. Hold Tightly to God’s Word

God told Habakkuk to write the vision down “so one may easily read it” (Habakkuk 2:2). In times of uncertainty, cling to the promises God has already spoken in Scripture. Don’t look for new revelations to comfort you—return to God’s unchanging word.

Action Steps for Living by Faith

Begin your prayers by affirming God’s character, even before presenting your requests.

Turn your confusion into honest prayer—tell God what you don’t understand.

Build margin into your schedule for silent listening and reflection.

Examine your heart: Are you trusting in Jesus or in your own ability to “fix” things?

Return to Scripture regularly, especially when you feel lost or impatient.

Stay faithful in what God has given you to do, even if the big picture is unclear.

Conclusion: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Faith while we wait isn’t passive. It’s choosing to trust God’s heart when we can’t see His hand. As the sermon reminds us,

“Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Jesus faced unanswered “why” questions at the cross, yet obeyed for our salvation. When you’re in deep waters, keep your eyes on Him—the One who knows the end from the beginning, and who loves you perfectly.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being eternal, holy, and trustworthy. In moments when Your answers create more questions, help us anchor our hearts in Your character. Give us the courage to bring our honest doubts to You and the patience to wait for Your appointed time. Keep us from pride and self-reliance. Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Strengthen us to remain faithful and obedient while we wait.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you’re in a season of waiting, know you’re not alone. Bring your questions to God, trust His timing, and fix your eyes on Jesus.

10/19/2026

10/18/2026

Waiting on God isn’t easy—but it’s often where our faith grows the most. This week’s message, “Faith While We Wait” (Habakkuk 1:12–2:5), reminds us that even when answers are delayed, God calls us to bring our honest questions to Him, listen closely, and trust His timing.

What’s one way you’ve seen God strengthen your faith during a season of waiting? Share your story in the comments—we’d love to encourage one another! ⏳

Series: FROM WORRY TO WORSHIP
Preacher: DR. DAVID HOPKINS
Location: Highland Baptist Church, 3400 27th Street, Meridian, Mississippi, 39305

10/18/2026

Saturday — From Worry to Worship

Scripture

Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB)

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Historical Context

Paul wrote Philippians from prison, facing uncertainty and hardship, yet his letter radiates joy and trust in God. Here he encourages the church to turn worry into prayer, promising that God’s peace will protect them. These words echoed the transformation seen in Habakkuk, moving from despair to hope as he waited on God.

Devotional

Worry can be relentless, especially when life feels out of control or God seems silent. Paul faced circumstances that could easily have consumed him with anxiety, yet he invites us to a different way—to bring everything to God in prayer, trusting that God’s peace is greater than any problem we face.

Think of anxiety like a heavy backpack we carry everywhere. Prayer is the act of setting it down at Jesus’ feet, trusting Him to carry what we cannot. The miracle is not always that our circumstances change, but that God’s peace meets us right in the middle of them, steadying our hearts in ways we cannot explain.

Jesus, who carried our greatest burdens to the cross, invites us to come with every care. As we do, we find that worship grows in the soil of our worries, and peace becomes the evidence that God is near, even when the answers are not yet clear.

Reflection Questions

What worries are pressing on your heart today?

How might you shift from anxiety to prayer in a practical way?

Where have you experienced God’s peace in hard times before?

Action Steps

Take five minutes to write out your biggest worry, then pray through Philippians 4:6-7, entrusting it to God.

Choose one worship song to play or sing, allowing your heart to move from worry toward worship.

Do you have a prayer request or question you would like to share with the church staff?

Do you want to receive this via text message?

Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

This Week at a Glance

Monday — Habakkuk 1:2-4: God welcomes our honest cries when He seems silent amidst injustice.

Tuesday — Psalm 40:1-3: Waiting on God is not wasted; He hears and responds in His time.

Wednesday — Habakkuk 1:5-6: God’s answers may stretch and unsettle us, but His wisdom is trustworthy.

Thursday — Hebrews 12:6: God’s discipline is a sign of His love, shaping us for His glory.

Friday — Romans 2:4: God’s patience invites our repentance and offers mercy to all.

Saturday — Philippians 4:6-7: God’s peace meets us as we turn our worries into prayer and worship.

No matter where you find yourself—questioning, waiting, wrestling, or worshiping—God’s faithfulness holds you steady and invites you deeper into trust and hope in Christ.

Do you have a prayer request or question you would like to share with the church staff?

Do you want to receive this via text message?

Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

10/17/2026

Friday — God’s Kindness and Patience

Scripture

Romans 2:4 (CSB)

Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Historical Context

Paul wrote to the Roman church—a diverse group of Jews and Gentiles—warning them not to mistake God’s patience for indifference. God’s kindness, Paul insists, is an invitation to turn back to Him rather than a license to continue in sin. The call to repentance is for all people, inside and outside the church.

Devotional

It’s easy to look at the world’s evil and wonder why God doesn’t just bring immediate judgment. Yet Paul reminds us that God’s patience is mercy—He delays judgment so more might repent and find life. Like Habakkuk, we long for God to set things right, but God sees the bigger picture, pursuing rescue and restoration for all.

Imagine a friend who gives you space to admit a mistake and return, rather than shutting the door when you mess up. That’s the heart of God, whose kindness is meant to soften us, not harden us. Every day of patience is a gift, an open door for us—and others—to turn and receive grace.

The gospel assures us that God’s patience isn’t weakness, but love. Jesus bore the judgment we deserve so that we could be forgiven. As we receive God’s kindness, we are called to extend it to others and to trust that, in His timing, God will make all things right.

Reflection Questions

How have you experienced God’s kindness and patience in your own life?

Where might God be inviting you to repentance today?

How can you extend patience to someone else as God has to you?

Action Steps

Confess one area where you’ve taken God’s patience for granted, and ask for His help to change.

Show intentional patience to someone difficult in your life today.

Do you have a prayer request or question you would like to share with the church staff?

Do you want to receive this via text message?

Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

10/16/2026

When Faith Has Questions: Moving from Worry to Worship (Habakkuk 1)

Are you struggling with unanswered prayers? Do you ever wonder where God is when evil seems unchecked? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re in good company. The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk wrestled with these very questions. In the opening message of our series “From Worry to Worship,” we explored Habakkuk 1:1-11 and discovered how God’s faithfulness gives us permission to bring our hardest questions to Him.

Main Point: God’s Faithfulness Invites Our Honest Questions

Habakkuk looked around at the violence, injustice, and oppression in his own community and cried out, “How long, Lord, must I call for help and You do not listen?” (Habakkuk 1:2). He didn’t hide his confusion or frustration; he brought it straight to God. And God did not rebuke him for asking—because God’s faithfulness is the reason we can and should bring our burdens, doubts, and cries for justice to Him.

Even when God’s answers are not what we expect—or when His timing feels slow—He remains faithful. As we learned, “just because God may be silent does not mean He is still.” God’s purposes are bigger than our understanding, and He can use even the most troubling circumstances for His glory.

3 Truths for When God Seems Silent

God’s Faithfulness Gives Permission to Cry Out: Like Habakkuk, we are invited to bring our worries, anxieties, and questions to God (see 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7).

God’s Faithfulness Means We Must Reckon With His Judgment: Sometimes, the answers we receive are not easy. Habakkuk was shocked to learn that God would use a wicked nation to discipline His people. Yet, God’s discipline flows from His love and commitment to His covenant (Hebrews 12:6, 1 Peter 4:17).

God’s Faithfulness Stretches Our Understanding: God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). When we don’t understand, we are called to trust and wait—knowing God is working, even in silence.

Action Steps: How to Move from Worry to Worship

Bring Your Questions to God: Don’t hide your doubts. Pray honestly, just as Habakkuk did. God invites you to wrestle with Him in prayer.

Wait with Trust, Not Worry: Embrace the tension of waiting. Remember passages like Isaiah 40:31—“Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.”

Look to Jesus: God’s ultimate answer to evil and suffering was the cross and resurrection of Jesus (see Acts 13:40-41). When you struggle with God’s timing or methods, remember that Christ has already borne the world’s sin and offers hope beyond what we can see.

Stay Persistent in Prayer: Even if answers are delayed, keep praying for those you love, for justice, and for God’s kingdom to come—trusting that God is faithful.

Conclusion: Faith in the Waiting

If you’ve ever wondered, “How long, Lord?” you are echoing the prayers of saints throughout history. God is big enough for your questions, patient enough for your waiting, and faithful enough to walk with you through every uncertainty. He calls us not to let worry define us, but to let worship transform us—even in the silence.

Let’s pray:

Father, thank You for Your faithfulness, even when we don’t understand Your ways. Teach us to bring our questions, hurts, and worries honestly to You. Give us patience and trust to wait on Your timing. Help us to move from worry to worship, knowing that in Jesus, You have answered our deepest cries. Strengthen our faith and use our lives for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you’re seeking hope or have questions about faith, we invite you to join us this Sunday, or reach out for prayer. No question is too big for God—and no worry is too small for His care.

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10/16/2026

Thursday — Facing God’s Discipline

Scripture

Hebrews 12:6 (CSB)

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves
and punishes every son he receives.

Historical Context

The letter to the Hebrews was written to Christians facing hardship and discouragement, reminding them that God’s discipline is a sign of His love, not His rejection. The writer draws from Old Testament wisdom to show that God’s correction is meant to shape His people for their good and His glory.

Devotional

God’s faithfulness sometimes means He allows hard things to correct and grow us. Habakkuk was confronted with the reality that God would judge His own people, not just the surrounding nations. This discipline wasn’t abandonment; it was a loving call to return and be transformed. The New Testament echoes this, assuring us that God disciplines those He loves.

Think of a good coach or parent who lets a child face consequences—not out of anger, but to teach and strengthen. No one enjoys discipline in the moment, but its fruit is growth, maturity, and restored relationship. God’s discipline is never vindictive; it is always purposeful, aimed at drawing us closer to Him.

The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that God’s love is steadfast, even when He allows hardship for our good. In Christ, discipline is never condemnation, but a pathway to deeper life and freedom. We can trust His hand, even when it feels heavy, because He is forming us into the likeness of His Son.

Reflection Questions

How do you usually respond to God’s discipline or correction?

What is one area where you sense God might be shaping or refining you right now?

How does knowing God’s discipline is rooted in love change your perspective?

Action Steps

Identify one area in your life where you sense God calling you to change—take a concrete step toward obedience today.

Thank God in prayer for loving you enough to correct and guide you.

Do you have a prayer request or question you would like to share with the church staff?

Do you want to receive this via text message?

Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.