Faith's Power: Kent M. Keith's Philosophy

In his book, *Have Faith Anyway: The Vision of Habakkuk for Our Times*, Kent M. Keith, author of the internationally acclaimed *Paradoxical Commandments*, explores the meaning of his eleventh commandment: The world is full of violence, injustice, starvation, disease, and environmental destruction. Have faith anyway. Through the story of the prophet Habakkuk, Keith illustrates how to maintain faith and trust in God, even when faced with devastation and death. The book offers a hopeful message of building faith grounded in God's love, providing guidance and inspiration for readers navigating turbulent times.

The world is full of violence, injustice, starvation, disease, and environmental destruction. Have faith anyway

In his book, "Have Faith Anyway", Kent M. Keith explores the meaning of his eleventh paradoxical commandment: "The world is full of violence, injustice, starvation, disease, and environmental destruction. Have faith anyway." This commandment, much like the others, is centred around the basic values that all humans share.

The world is a scary place, and it can be difficult to maintain faith in the face of so much suffering. Keith's commandment serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can find strength and solace in our shared humanity.

Violence, injustice, starvation, disease, and environmental destruction are all too common in our world. Every day, we are confronted with news of wars, crimes, natural disasters, and other tragedies. It can feel overwhelming and hopeless, causing us to question our faith or belief in a higher power.

However, Keith encourages us to persevere and maintain our faith, even in the face of these challenges. He introduces us to the ancient prophet, Habakkuk, whose story is a testament to the power of faith. Despite living in a time of crisis and danger for the ancient Hebrews, Habakkuk's conversations with God led him to a place of unwavering faith and trust.

Habakkuk's story, as shared by Keith, is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. By drawing on our shared values of love, respect, duty, and courage, we can find the strength to persevere, just as Habakkuk did.

Having faith does not mean ignoring the problems of the world. Instead, it is about finding hope and meaning, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. It is about trusting that we have the capacity to make a positive impact, regardless of the challenges we face.

Keith's commandment is a call to action, urging us to have faith in ourselves, in each other, and in the inherent goodness of humanity. It is a reminder that even when faced with violence, injustice, or other forms of suffering, we have the power to choose how we respond. We can choose to be kind, to help others, and to work towards a better world, even if we don't see the results immediately.

The story of the prophet Habakkuk and his struggle to understand God's inaction in the face of violence and injustice

The prophet Habakkuk, active around 612 BC, is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. He is known for his bold conversations with God, recorded in the Book of Habakkuk, one of the 12 minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible.

Habakkuk lived in the final decades of Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel, a time of injustice and idolatry, with the threat of the rising Babylonian Empire looming. Unlike other Hebrew prophets, Habakkuk does not accuse Israel or speak to the people on God's behalf. Instead, all his words are addressed to God, and he questions God's inaction in the face of violence and injustice.

In the Book of Habakkuk, the prophet laments the state of Israel, where the Torah is neglected, resulting in violence and injustice, tolerated by corrupt leaders. He asks God why he is not taking action: "O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you 'Violence!' and you will not save?"

God responds by saying that he is aware of the corruption and will summon the Babylonians to bring justice to Israel. This answer horrifies Habakkuk, who sees the Babylonians as even more violent and corrupt than the Israelites. He asks God how he can use such a corrupt people as his instruments.

Habakkuk's conversations with God reveal his struggle to understand God's inaction and his attempts to reconcile his faith with the violence and injustice he sees. Through these conversations, Habakkuk ultimately comes to a deeper faith and trust in God, even in the face of devastation and death.

The story of Habakkuk serves as a parable, teaching us to have faith even when faced with crisis and danger, and to trust that God has a plan, even if we cannot fully understand it.

Habakkuk's conversations with God, which led him to have unwavering faith and trust in God

Habakkuk, the prophet, was a musician who liked to sing and put his words to music so that others could sing them to God. He lived during a time when God's people were facing a formidable enemy, the Babylonians, and their king was wicked and led God's people to turn away from God. Habakkuk was disturbed by the wickedness he saw and wanted justice to reign, so he took his complaint to God.

Habakkuk's conversations with God centred on justice and the judgment of the wicked. He questioned God's apparent indifference to the desolate spiritual conditions of His people and God's reply is recorded in Chapter 2 of the Book of Habakkuk. God told Habakkuk that the people of Judah were proud and lacked understanding of His grace and power. They thought they could live as they pleased, scorning God by ignoring His Law and mistreating one another.

Through his conversations with God, Habakkuk came to understand that God does not look upon sacrifices but upon the hearts of His people. He realised that it is by faith that we believe in God, His Word, and obey Him. Habakkuk's final prophecy is a prayer, written as a song, in which he expresses his unwavering faith and trust in God:

> "Though the fig tree should not blossom

> And there be no fruit on the vines,

> Though the yield of the olive should fail

> And the fields produce no food,

> Though the flock should be cut off from the fold

> And there be no cattle in the stalls,

> Yet I will exult in the Lord,

> I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

> The Lord God is my strength,

> And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,

> And makes me walk on my high places."

> (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Habakkuk's conversations with God led him to a deeper understanding of faith and trust in God, even in the face of devastation and death. His story serves as a parable that can help us have unwavering faith and trust in God, even when faced with crises and confusion.

The relevance of Habakkuk's story to our times and how it can inspire faith in the face of devastation

Habakkuk's story is one of devastation and faith. It is a story that is still relevant today, as we continue to grapple with difficult circumstances, injustice, and violence.

Habakkuk was a prophet who penned the biblical book of Habakkuk, which is unique among the minor prophets for including a doxology (Habakkuk 3). In his book, Habakkuk questioned God about the injustice and violence he saw around him. He asked why God seemed to tolerate wrongdoing and how long he would have to cry for help before God would hear and save him (Habakkuk 1:2-3).

Habakkuk lived in a time of impending crisis and danger for the ancient Hebrews. He prophesied about the Babylonians and the destruction of Jerusalem (Habakkuk 1:6), and he may have lived to see this destruction. He struggled to understand why God seemed to ignore the terrible violence and injustice during this time.

Despite his questions and confusion, Habakkuk's strong relationship with God is evident. He approached God with confidence, knowing that God would answer him. He also acknowledged God's sovereignty and justice, even as he sought to understand His ways. This is a key aspect of faith—it is not a blind commitment, but rather a trust in God whose ways can be understood.

Through his conversations with God, Habakkuk came to a deeper faith and trust in God's unfailing presence. God answered Habakkuk's questions and assured him of the judgment that the Babylonians would face (Habakkuk 2:8, 16). Habakkuk accepted these answers, showing himself to be a man of great faith.

In the face of devastation and fear, Habakkuk proclaimed, "I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior" (Habakkuk 3:18). He recognized that God was his strength and declared, "The Sovereign Lord is my strength" (Habakkuk 3:19).

Habakkuk's story is a powerful reminder that we can have faith even when faced with difficult circumstances, injustice, and violence. We may not always understand God's ways, but we can trust in His presence and sovereignty. Like Habakkuk, we can ask God about the events in our lives and conclude that He is our strength.

The author's own vision of a conversation between a Christian and God in the present day

God: "Hello, my child. I know things are difficult right now, and it might feel like I'm not there, but I am. I see the violence, the injustice, the pain and suffering. I know of your fears and the troubles you face."

Christian: "I try to have faith, but it's hard, Lord. Why is there so much suffering? Why do bad things happen to good people? It's challenging to keep believing when the world is in such turmoil."

God: "I understand your doubts and fears. It's true, the world is full of darkness as well as light. But remember, I am with you always. My love for you is eternal and unwavering. Even in the midst of chaos, you can find solace in Me. Have faith in My plan, even if you cannot see the path ahead."

Christian: "But how can I have faith when there is so much uncertainty? When people are hurting, starving, and crying out for help? When diseases take loved ones away, and the environment is being destroyed? It's hard not to lose hope."

God: "I know the challenges you face are immense. But I want you to remember My promises. I am a God of hope and restoration. Even in the darkest times, there is light. My love is a constant, and I will never leave you. Have faith in the power of good, in the resilience of humanity, and in the strength of your own heart."

Christian: "I want to trust in Your plan, Lord. But sometimes I feel so small and helpless in the face of all that's wrong with the world. How can I make a difference?"

God: "You are never alone in your struggles. Reach out to those around you with love and compassion. Help where you can, and be a beacon of hope and kindness. Even small acts of goodness can have a ripple effect. Remember the words of My servant, Habakkuk, who faced similar trials: 'For still, the vision awaits its time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.' Your faith can move mountains, and your actions can bring light into the darkness."

Christian: "Thank you, Lord. I will strive to have faith and trust in You, even when times are tough. I will remember Your love and mercy, and try to be a source of hope and comfort to those around me. Help me to be a channel of Your peace and love in the world."

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