Learning to Look

I recently came across this verse from the book of Habakkuk:

“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.”
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/hab.1.5.ESV

The context is that God is responding to a complaint by Habakkuk. The prophet laments that evildoers are getting away with violence and wrongdoing without consequences. God reassures Habakkuk that he is in control and that kingdoms rise and fall only on his command. But if I may be permitted, I see something else at work here.

What I see still affirms God’s sovereignty but in a different way. He is teaching us to look beyond our own familiar world.

God is working in a mighty way in many parts of the world, parts of the world that we don’t see unless we open ourselves to them. We are so used to the familiar. We are so comfortable at home, and so we miss the opportunities God is making available to us. I can attest to this because it has happened to me in Cuba.

God is using amazing men and women in Cuba to expand His kingdom. These brothers and sisters are fighting dark forces of evil that enslave many Cubans: Communism, spiritualism, idol worship, Santeria and others. They sacrifice comfort and safety in another country as they choose to stay in Cuba and share the gospel under difficult conditions. One sees the struggle when one visits.

Yes, evildoers are getting away with many oppressions, but God is in control and he is using current circumstances for his glory. And his Holy Spirit is opening many hearts because of the hardships. So much so that we would not believe it unless we actually saw it. I have seen it, and you can as well. Come to Cuba and see what God is doing and be encouraged.