Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our reliable God. No matter what else happens, we can always trust Him.
Habakkuk describes a time of disaster in which everything falls apart and all resources disappear. “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls” (Habakkuk 3:17).
Even in a situation so dire, Habakkuk pledges to joyfully follow God. “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (3:18). Even then?! Isn’t that the time when people are tempted to forget about God? Why continue with such resolve when everything has fallen apart?
I think of at least three reasons. First, God has proven His faithfulness over the years. Hasn’t He? How many times in the past have we found ourselves in situations that have seemed just as hopeless and just as devoid of resources? Didn’t God carry us through then? Hasn’t He done so time and again? God is the one who is actually able and committed to help in the current time of distress, so there is no reason to neglect Him now.
Second, everything is part of God’s great plan. His great plan has a great end, even when the middle of the path is yucky. If we walk away in the midst of the yuckiness, we will never see the end. How much better to stay the course, in faith waiting for the great answer that He will give.
Third, when times are tough, no one cares like God cares. What a tragedy it would be to turn from the best Friend we have, or even to give Him the cold shoulder and draw back from Him. He is the one who can help us! He is the one who cares enough to remain with us and to show His love. Without Him, we would be in the same yucky situation, but without the help we need.
While not stating things in exactly those words, Habakkuk seems to grasp the three concepts. “The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places” (3:19).
“The LORD God is my strength.” God has been faithful to strengthen Habakkuk historically. “He will make to walk upon mine high places.” Doesn’t that sound like a great end that is yet to come? “He will make my feet like hinds’ feet.” God cares enough to equip Habakkuk for what he must face.
Surely there are other good reasons to continue following God and embracing the path He has placed before us, but these three are some pretty strong anchors. A faithful past, a hopeful future, and a compassionate present.
May God give you grace and strength this week to continue on, in spite of whatever resources or comforts might be missing. Here is the fourth stanza of the hymn I shared last week. “Though vine nor fig tree neither/ Their wonted fruit shall bear;/ Though all the fields should wither/ Nor flocks nor herds be there;/ Yet God the same abiding,/ His praise shall tune my voice,/ For, while in Him confiding,/ I cannot but rejoice.” God the same abiding – that’s an anchor!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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