Habakkuk was considered a “minor” prophet, but he certainly delivered some major life lessons! His name means “embrace,” or “hug.” He struggled with God’s plan to discipline rebellious Israel by the cruel Babylonians who were taking over the world. Why in the world would God allow that? Yet God promised to restore Israel eventually. I can relate, I fussed a lot that God allowed me to get to Stage IV, “days to live” cancer. I did not want to wait for healing OR heaven.
Eventually Habakkuk embraced God’s plan and hugged it out with Him. I did as well and you can too! Here’s how Habakkuk did it.
1) Realize God allows harsh times (Habakkuk 3:17)
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…
There is a certain surrender we must have when our prayers are not yet answered. This is not a surrender to the circumstances! We still press in for total healing, but have a total dependence on Him in the “mean time.” The greatest battle is to resist the urge to numb out or turn away from our kind-hearted God. Trials are always temporary because of heaven.
Find more on God’s type of surrender and other lessons in our books in our free gift basket here.
2) Recognize God Himself is THE answer (Habakkuk 3:18)
Yet I will triumph in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk’s hugging begins, but note his determination: I “will” triumph, I “will” rejoice. He knows his emotions are not into God’s plan, so he must exert his mind and will. You might say, “I’ve tried and I can’t do that.” I couldn’t either, but wait, there’s more.
3) Rejoice God enables us to thrive, not just survive! (Habakkuk 3:19)
The Lord GOD is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places. For the choir director, on my stringed instruments.
The ability to rejoice and triumph in tough times comes from God! He strengthens us to do what we cannot. Ask Him right now to fill you up with His Holy Spirit power and love as in Romans 5:1-5. Let’s hug on God, clinging to Him and not our dreams or expectations!
Lord, strengthen and fill us with Your mighty power that we might rise above all circumstance and praise you through it all! Hugs!
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