TRUSTING IN LEAN TIMES!

Thursday, August 15, 2019

TRUSTING IN LEAN TIMES!

Hab 3:17-18

17 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:

18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

           Hard times come to all of us from time to time. The Bible gives us many examples of it and the complaints of those who suffer. When lean times come it is harder to trust a God who is all powerful – all wise – and rich. We wonder why God has failed us or what we have done to anger him. This reveals that our trust is in the provision and not the Provider. It also reveals that we think God’s plenty is a reward for what we have done instead of a gift to the undeserving.

           The Washington Monument stands tall and erect at all seasons. It is not effected by the heat of summer nor the snow and ice of winter. It reminds me of the kind of trust that must be mine. When things are going well I must not think myself worthy of reward. When the storehouse is empty, I must not assume that I am being punished for some wrong. I make my circumstances reflect myself and forget that God’s will and purposes are in control. Job’s friends presumed that he was being punished yet Job declared “though He slay me, yet will I trust in him.” (Job 13:15)

           When the difference makes no difference it makes all the difference! Our faith must staunchly stand through sunshine or storm. Rudyard Kipling, in his famous poem, IF, suggested steadfastness as a way of life.

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

    With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,   

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,   

    And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Dear Lord, give me a come-what-may kind of faith. AMEN