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, he knows the ultimate outcome.
Here is the key to remaining quiet while waiting for difficult days we know are unavoidable: Hearing God’s voice and knowing no matter what we travail triumphantly.
Habakkuk’s spirit was quiet while waiting for the inevitable suffering that was coming his way.
Many of us struggle to remain quiet in the midst of suffering; we must not forget that remaining quiet while waiting requires a faith that is confident.
As Habakkuk believed in God before the suffering began, so the tenets of our faith do not change based on what we are going through.
We trust God in good times, we trust God in bad times and we trust God even while waiting to go through difficult times.
Question: Are you able to remain quiet while waiting for suffering?
What kind of person does it take to demonstrate the type of faith Habakkuk displayed? He knew difficulty was coming his way and did not run, panic or respond out of fear.
Remember, God’s grace towards us extends well beyond all material losses. Did you get that? Even when we suffer loss, God’s grace is still present. As I write this particular devotional, my mind reflects on the great loss Job experienced. Despite Job’s horrific experience God’s grace still abound.
Question: What hardships have we experienced that exhausted God’s grace?
Lord, although some difficulties are unavoidable, it is good to know you never leave us or forsake us, Amen.
