Military conflict breaks out. A tsunami hits. Justice is not accomplished. Christians are martyred. Violence escalates. At times, it seems there are unanswered ills that God is (at best) ignoring or (at worst) endorsing. This conundrum of God’s righteousness in the face of evil circumstances is not new.

The prophet Habakkuk wondered how God could allow wickedness among His people. God’s reply was inconceivable: He said the Babylonian empire would be an instrument of judgment upon them. But how could a holy and righteous God allow His chosen people—rebellious as they were—to be consumed by a people even more wicked (Habakkuk 1:12-13)?

Instead of answering Habakkuk’s questions, God revealed that there would be judgment against Babylon too. But, in the midst of all the brokenness and injustice, God made an important promise: “The righteous one will live by his faith” (2:4).

This statement is quoted three times in the New Testament (Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38), and it declares the gospel—the good news that Jesus Christ died for sinners, rose again, and offers new life and righteousness in Him to those who believe. This means that right standing with God (righteousness) is offered to everyone on the basis of faith. And persevering in the faith that God has given leads us to our eternal and lasting inheritance of life with Him: God’s people will dwell with Him forever, and all things will be made new, free from sin and death (Revelation 21:1-5). “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord’s glory, as the water covers the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).

So even when it seems like everything is lost, we can still rejoice in the God of our eternal salvation (Habakkuk 3:17-19). We can also pray for those who perpetuate injustice, knowing that even they can experience the gift of salvation, by God’s grace through faith (Romans 3:21-26). • Cameron DeCou

• Have you ever asked God why He would allow something bad to happen?

• When you are hurt or treated unjustly, who are trusted people in your life you can talk with about what you’re experiencing—such as counselors, parents, teachers, youth leaders, pastors, etc.?

For in it [the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith. Romans 1:17 (CSB)