EVEN IF........
Recently our study in Church has taken us to a small little book near the end of the Old Testament called HABAKKUK. The book itself only has 3 chapters and can be read in one sitting. It is a dialogue between the prophet and GOD; a lament in that HABAKKUK was very troubled by the ungodly life around him and seeing a godless nation judging a less wicked nation. HABAKKUK was not the first of many asking those questions of why and how. Those questions are asked still today and I have asked them too.
HABAKKUK 3: 17 "EVEN IF THE FIG TREE DOES NOT BLOSSOM, AND THERE IS NO FRUIT ON THE VINES, IF THE YIELD OF THE OLIVE FAILS, AND THE FIELDS PRODUCE NO FOOD, EVEN IF THE FLOCK DISAPPEARS FROM THE FOLD, AND THERE ARE NO CATTLE IN THE STALLS......." NASB
Two small seemingly insignificant words are so very important here........even if! How often do we say what if instead? How often do our "what ifs" play into all our fears? Our what ifs cause us to look only at the problem before us or the fear that has taken hold of us. Our despair tends to grow even deeper when we ask what if?
HABAKKUK was in despair too, waiting and wrestling with GOD. And even then, GOD asks him to wait some more. In the waiting, the prophet learns to live by his faith, as he wrestles with his concerns about the ungodliness of Judah.
GOD HEARS AND GOD ANSWERS
We wrestle and we seek, we question and we wonder. Will I trust GOD no matter what happens around me? And if I do, why ask what if.........let's change that to even if!
Even if.......there are no answers. Even if.......we don't understand. Even if........there is no job or money. Even if.......the cancer returns. Even if.......
HABAKKUK 3: 18 "YET I WILL TRIUMPH IN THE LORD, I WILL REJOICE IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION."
Even if.........all is lost, I will find shelter in GOD and trust HIS promises and even find my thankfulness and joy! Joy only that is found in the LORD, our GOD. HABAKKUK wrestled and waited on GOD until his own despair turned to joy in the LORD because he took refuge in HIM.
PSALM 5: 11 "BUT LET ALL WHO TAKE REFUGE IN YOU REJOICE; LET THEM EVER SING FOR JOY, AND SPREAD YOUR PROTECTION OVER THEM, THAT THOSE WHO LOVE YOUR NAME MAY EXULT IN YOU."
Even if..........two little words that change our whole thinking and all of our concerns. Even if turns our souls in HIS direction, to seek only GOD with all heart, soul and mind. This process causes us to stand in the strength of GOD alone and it renews in us our ability to give all our praise to the one true GOD ......EVEN IF!
We all are walking through something right now. But GOD in HIS infinite wisdom has shown us in HIS word, that even if all is gone or lost, we never lose HIM. GOD HIMSELF is our shelter, our salvation and our past, present and future all belong to HIM!
HABAKKUK 3: 19 "THE LORD GOD IS MY STRENGTH, AND HE HAS MADE MY FEET LIKE DEER'S FEET, AND HAS ME WALK ON MY HIGH PLACES."
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