Tag Archives: joy in adversity

When faith prevails

 

 

Faith prevails!

 

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. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19

 

Whenever there is news of an impending storm, folks make preparation. They flock to the store to load up on food and other supplies. They make sure the flashlights are working. And if possible, they leave work early so they won’t get caught in the storm.

 

Doesn’t it make sense to also prepare for the storms of life that come unannounced? We can do that by building our faith every day, and especially when “all is well.” Faith is like a bank. You make deposits during the prosperous times so that there will be something to draw on during the lean times.

 

Faith teaches us to “delight and triumph in the Lord; for when all is gone, his God is not gone. Even when provisions are cut off, to make it appear that man lives not by bread alone, we may be supplied by the graces and comforts of God’s Spirit.” (Matthew Henry)

 

Even when the vineyards and fig trees of our life are destroyed, we can – and must – find that as a time to praise God who sustains us. He is the one who prepares and equips us for life’s storms. He is the one who heals our wounds and brings us hope in seemingly hopeless situations. When all else is gone, He is the one who remains.

 

When trouble comes, where will you run? Prepare your heart by building it up with faith that prevails. And rejoice in His faithfulness.