Trusting God in Trying Times: Studies in the Book of Habakkuk

The Bible tells us to expect difficult trials as part of the Christian life. You know that you should trust God when hard times come, but exactly how do you trust God when life seems to fall apart at the seams? This life-changing study from the book of Habakkuk will teach you how to move from trials to spiritual triumph–even if your circumstances do not change.

Trusting God in Trying Times is the kind of book I imagine no one wants to have to write. The obvious reason for this is because if it’s going to have any real impact, depth, or sincerity, the author has likely had to hold God’s hand through some incredibly difficult and dark times of his own (something no one would envy). Yet, as Spurgeon once said, “I have looked back to times of trial with a kind of longing, not to have them return, but to feel the strength of God as I have felt it then.” This book embodies that ethos. Sadly, a number of other works on this subject matter are either theologically inaccurate, doctrinally superficial, or patronizingly self-oriented, lacking the elixir of God’s Word. On the other hand, what Don Green has done in this book is what I’ve always known him to do as a preacher: perfectly wed doctrinal accuracy with soul-piercing application in a way I’ve never seen from any other man alive. He embodies the pastoral and heavenly precision of the Puritans in a devotional way, but without the verbosity. Regardless of the reader’s own situation, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to prepare for difficult times—or minister to others currently facing them.

Peter Sammons, PhD
Author of: Reprobation and the Sovereignty of God (Kregel Academic: 2022)

Imagine that you could sit down with a seasoned, gracious pastor, and that you were encouraged to lay out to him your woes and heartaches. Imagine then that he took the time to pour out for you, as it were, a glass brimming with scriptural truth, such as would ease your pains and lift your spirit. That is what you will find in this book. Don Green has produced a work of encouragement, which will surely “strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble” (Heb. 12:12) among weary and bruised believers. Don takes us through the book of Habakkuk in an approach that is equally expository and pastoral. The spirit of his writing hails not from an ivory tower, but from a life lived in the trenches with the rest of us. In reading some pastor-authors, I mentally prefix the word “theoretically” to much of their work. I never did that with Don’s writing. You will benefit richly from it, and you will want to give copies to your friends.

Dan Phillips
Pastor, Copperfield Bible Church, Houston, TX;
Author of The World-Tilting Gospel (Kregel: 2011), and God’s Wisdom in Proverbs (Kress: 2011)

It is a pleasure for me to recommend Don Green’s book, Trusting God in Trying Times. Writing as a skilled expositor and compassionate pastor, Don unfolds the book of Habakkuk. With great transparency of his own soul Don communicates the message of this Old Testament prophet while urging us to apply its truths to our lives. If you are looking for a book to encourage your heart by helping you to trust God in the difficulties of life, then you will want to read Trusting God in Trying Times. It ministered greatly to me, and I am confident it will do the same for you.

Steve Kreloff
Pastor/Teacher, Lakeside Community Chapel, Clearwater, FL

Has the giant named Fear caused you to languish away in the valley of trouble and affliction? God would not have you to lie there in defeat, but would rather take you up into the delectable mountains of spiritual peace and joy in Him. In this book you have a trustworthy map to take you there; and in Pastor Don, a faithful shepherd to show you the way.

Kyle Reeder
Pastor, Solid Rock Baptist Church, Benton, KY

A. W. Tozer famously said, “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.” Pain, of course, does not automatically lead to blessing, but it does always provide an opportunity to think deeply the meaning and purpose of life. It had that impact on Don Green as a newlywed lawyer. The years-long struggle took him on a journey of learning what it means to trust God in trying times. Through honest dealings with his own soul and humble study of the Word of God, he gained insights that he has generously and pastorally passed along in this book. By tracing God’s dealings with the Old Testament prophet, Habakkuk, Green carefully charts the path from heartache to joy that is available to every follower of Christ. Seeing that path, and staying on it, is the great lesson of Trusting God in Trying Times. I am saddened by the deep hurt that Don Green suffered as a young man, but I praise God for the deep blessings that have resulted in his life as a faithful pastor and teacher of Scripture. In this wonderful book, those blessings overflow in encouragement and comfort for all who will read it and take its counsel to heart.

Tom Ascol
Pastor, Grace Baptist Church of Cape Coral, FL
President of Founders Ministries and The Institute of Public Theology

Adversity and affliction, suffering and sorrow, pain and perplexity— these are tools in the skillful, omnipotent hand of a loving Father who is good and wise. God’s intent is to train His elect, to disciple His people, so that no matter the difficulty, no matter the circumstance, they will anchor their confidence in His perfect Word, set their hope fully on Him, and settle their hearts in the peace that passes all understanding. God is their refuge, the place of perfect rest for their weary souls. This is the thesis Don Green pursues with theological precision and pastoral warmth. He clearly respects his readers, writing in plain and simple language—like an older brother in the faith who has walked with God, proven His truths, and found Him trustworthy—he calls his readers to follow him to the safe harbor of trust in God. The result of this labor of love is an accessible book, full of pastoral wisdom. The reward for the reader is the real-life, time-tested comfort Don has received from Christ and a plan, for any who struggle, of how to trust God in trying times.

Travis Allen
Pastor, Grace Church of Greeley, Greeley, CO