Habakkuk’s Hope—Day 5 Habakkuk 3: 17, 18 “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.” We conclude this week’s devotional being reminded of Habakkuk’s attitude toward the unavoidable economic troubles coming his way. His attitude was more than toughing it out or hanging in there. Habakkuk’s mind was made up to be joyful despite the impending economic disaster. “Habakkuk exhibited the kind of relationship with God which enjoyed the divine Person more than the things he could do for the prophet. He put God above the fray of life, rejoicing in him and worshiping him regardless of the circumstances.”[1] There is something about...

Habakkuk’s Hope—Day 4 Habakkuk 3: 17, 18 “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.”  Many theologians have considered the conclusion of Habakkuk to be seen as a demonstration of the great affirmations of faith. This is the type of faith we believers must take hold of so that we too, like Habakkuk, may be able to live hopeful in the midst of desolate and stressful times. Habakkuk realizes that God’s judgement must come upon the faithful remnant of Judah, and even the prophet will suffer from the loss of all those things that sustain life. However, Habakkuk is convinced he will live again! He will rejoice again! And, he will climb to the highest...

Habakkuk’s Hope—Day 3 Habakkuk 3: 17, 18 “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.” As a young man, growing up and being fascinated with the faith of believers, I would often listen to them speak of God’s goodness in spite of hardship. As I have matured in my faith, I have come to understand and appreciate God’s goodness in spite of—In spite of the challenges I face, God is still good and his grace is sufficient. This is what the prophet Habakkuk placed his confidence in—God’s goodness and his all-sufficient grace. Habakkuk has heard the voice of God, he has seen the vision of God, and in spite of everything he will have to go through,...

Habakkuk’s Hope—Day 2 Habakkuk 3: 17, 18 “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.” Our devotional passage this week could very easily be considered a hypothetical possibility. However, the truth is, these things did transpire. It was not famine or drought that caused such desolation, but the effect of war. So often we can treat life as if misfortune is not possible for us. The truth is, anything can happen in our life that disrupts the very structures of our family and social orders of life. Perhaps some of us would fare well under such structural damage to our lives, but are we certain that we would handle such difficulties well? Question: When our...

Habakkuk’s Hope Habakkuk 3: 17, 18 “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.” As we prepare to meditate on a well known passage this week, let us remember this thought: Everything in this world order may pass away; however, God’s grace continues on. Just think about that for a moment. In spite of the chaos, loss and shortage of resources, God’s grace is still sufficient and He remains ever worthy to be praised. Habakkuk understands that in order for things to get better, there will be some suffering the people would have to go through and he would have to suffer along with them. Often we attempt to avoid trouble, espeically trouble that...