Transformed and Strengthened

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, (verse 17)

These verses from Habakkuk make me stop and think and then question my own faith. If everything fell apart in my life and pain surrounded me, would I, could I, praise God for who he is?  Sure, I've survived difficulties, we all have. I've experienced the pain of losing a husband. I've failed at a business venture, lost a friend to deception and more, but these things all happened one at a time, with lots of space in between.

It is the space in between that makes the difference. When I have time to recoup or regroup I can deal with it. When there is a season for healing and lots of occasion to talk things out, my faith stayed intact. I did not lose my belief in Jesus and His love. I believe it grew stronger during those times of pain and defeat.

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,    I will be joyful in God my Savior. (verse 18)

I've not had to deal with an explosion of losses all at once. I can't declare with confidence, that I would stand strong if I lost everything - like Job - in one swift moment. Now, I don't want to be tested in this, but I do wonder just how strong my faith is. Maybe you are as unsure as I. Maybe you too, feel inadequate to a test in this area.

I encourage you to use these words from Habakkuk, and others like them, not to beat yourself up for a possible weakness. but rejoice in them. Use these words as a goal, as a place to grow into. God uses all our happenings, good and bad, to mature and strengthten us. Praise God in this moment and for this moment.

Dear Jesus,
If it came right down to it, I chose to belief that I will stand strong, that the faith you have instilled in me and used to reach others for your sake, will be just what it needs to be at that moment.  Amen

Habakkuk 3:17-19