Come What May

            “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”    (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

 

            God calls for disciples who persevere no matter what. In the verse above, the prophet had just received word from God that his entire world was just about to be destroyed by an enemy invader (Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon). Will his faith be able to endure it? Will he continue to trust in God? From his own words we can see that he had the basis needed to succeed come what may.

            You see, faith means trusting in God regardless of the circumstances. And these were dire circumstances indeed. The Bible is a collection of stories and examples of people experiencing life with and without God. Those whose faith endured through seemingly unbearable episodes were enabled to accomplish amazing things. They are the heroes of the faith that we honor. A good example is Queen Esther who acted on behalf of her people who were being oppressed and in danger of being annihilated. She, herself was enjoying great luxury and was oblivious to the threat at hand. When Mordecai urged her to use her position and influence to alter the outcome, she refused. Unwilling to risk her life by barging in on her husband the king, she had to be prodded to consider the strength of her faith. Did God place her there for her own comfort and ease? Or was she in place to assist God in bringing about a great salvation (4:12-14)? She chose to put her faith in God and act on the Jews’ behalf and let come what may; “If I perish, I perish” she concluded (4:16). And God rescued His people in astounding fashion.

            Could you say and do the same if you were left totally destitute or if your life was on the line? Would you be able to keep your faith in God and press on no matter what happens?

            It’s important to pause often and consider; how strong is your commitment to Christ?

                        Will it endure a bad economy?

                        Can it withstand financial hardships?

                        Will it survive a devastating health crisis?

                        Can it carry on if you lose everything you own?

                        Will it outlast the loss of a loved one?

            Or does your loyalty to God demand certain “perks”?

                        Good health; Good kids; A good-paying job; A nice home, etc.

            Reality Check:

            (1) God doesn’t owe you any of these things. They are blessings/gifts He bestows generously as He sees fit. All you need is His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9).

            (2) He isn’t punishing you if He chooses not to bless you with them. He knows what you need and what you can handle much more than you do (1 Corinthians 10:13).

            God’s kingdom can best be advanced when His disciples trust Him to deliver no matter what happens. His power and might are best seen when He rescues from situations that are most dismal. There is a lost world out there needing and seeking God’s rescue. Will your faith endure so that this can be accomplished? It definitely will if you keep the end in mind (heaven) and trust God to carry you through each day come what may.

Doug