Maybe you’re lost your job during this recession and are worried about your future. Perhaps your business is taking on water, running in the red. You might be wondering how you’re going to pay your mortgage. If you’re in this category, where you feel like your back is against the wall, this post is for you.
Recently on a whim I read the book of Habakkuk in the Old Testament. I don’t know the minor prohetic books very well, so I thought I would read a short one. Habakkuk only has three chapters, so it is easy to get through fairly quickly.
In a nutshell, the prophet starts out in a real fit of despair. Obviously things are going very badly for him and the Israelite society. He starts out by saying to God, “O LORD, how long shall I cry, and You wil not hear?” He has clearly been hurting for a long time…long enough to make him almost think God has turned a deaf ear to his prayers.
How long have you been crying out to God? Does it seem like He has forgotten you? Do you feel ignored? Are you starting to have doubts about your faith? Is it waivering? Just keep reading.
In chapter 1 God responds to Habakkuk by saying, “Look among the nations and watch — Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.”
In the context of the book God was talking about a particular series of historical events He would bring about. However, in His answer He also reveals part of His character to us, and that doesn’t ever change.
The particular character trait is His ability to do far beyond what we ask or imagine, no matter how desperate our circumstances may seem. This is important because it applies to you. He was assuring Habakkuk that He had not abandoned Him, just as Jesus assures you He will never leave or forsake you.
Moving to the end of the book, in chapter 3 Habakkuk writes a hymn of faith that says, “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls; Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD is my strength; He wil make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills”.
In this last part of Habakkuk the prophet describes some very bleak economic circumstances. Despite those tough times he chose to rejoice in the LORD, and looked forward to the time when God would restore his fortunes.
I really wish I could help you out with a job or make your business profitable. It’s no picnic in my business right now either. Nevertheless, we have something so great, beyond measure.
Just like Habakkuk, you are able to rejoice in God too, and look forward to His blessings. They will come. Jesus says, “Abide in me and I will abide in you”. Don’t lose your faith. Remember your hope, and most of all, remember the One you serve. Be reminded of His greatness and faithfulness, just like Habakkuk was reminded during his period of despair.
Thanks for reading.
Scott
