• Read Ezra 1-2

We are going to spend some time writing today. This is exciting!

• On a separate piece of paper, list out some of the ways that you see God’s mercy at work in these chapters.

Israel returns to inhabit their land, to “settle in their towns” the end of chapter 2 tells us. Reminds me of the sermon two weeks ago where Adam called us to “inhabit the rabbit”.

• How do you imagine that they are feeling as they settle in?
• What has been a time in your own life where you saw God move on your behalf to provide for you? (write it out- the writing and remembering help us to inhabit our story and grow in belief of God’s goodness).

We read last week about how God was going to use the Babylonians in Israel’s story, and Habakkuk’s grief over this, as well as his decision to trust and wait patiently for the Lord.

I love how Habakkuk calls on God to remember mercy, even as He rightly judges His people for their sin.

Today we are going to be watching another video from our friends at The Bible Project:

• What strikes you from this video?

• How does what is happening at the beginning of Ezra remind you of Habakkuk’s call for God to remember His mercy?

Say aloud these ending verses of Habakkuk:

Though the fig tree does not bud

    and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails

    and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen

    and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

    He enables me to tread on the heights.

• Where are you joyful in the Lord today, even in the midst of a hard or painful situation?

• Read Habakkuk 3 

A few weeks back, Andrew asked us to be watching for AWE in our lives- to take time, to allow space, for the AWE of God. 

• What have you done to develop that sense of AWE in your own life these past couple of weeks?
• Habakkuk calls on God to remember His mercy. Where do you see evidence of mercy in Habakkuk’s life as you’ve read this week?

• Read Habakkuk 2:2-20

I love that Habakkuk positions himself to wait and listen for God’s response (2:1). 

• What does this say about how he sees God relating to him?
• What do you learn about God from the response that He gives here?
• What is encouraging or confusing? Talk to the Father about this.

• Read Habakkuk 1:12-2:1

Consider the following questions:

• What is Habakkuk’s response to God’s plan?
• How would it be hard for Habakkuk to see mercy at work in God’s plan?
• How can you relate to this in your own life?
• In what situations are you waiting for God’s response (2:1)?

• On a separate piece of paper, write out a prayer today expressing your desires to Him.

• Read Habakkuk 1:5-11

Consider the following questions as you go about your day today:

• What is surprising to you (and probably Habakkuk) in God’s answer?

• In your life, how have you seen God’s ways to be confusing?