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Rollercoaster • Corkscrew – 7/17/22

There are times in life when the bottom drops out. You may see it coming and do all you can to prevent it. You pray, you strive, you pour yourself into the situation, but nevertheless, it happens. Or you may not see it coming at all. You may be on a climb in life and just as you reach the top, you drop, and it leaves you reeling. Whether or not there’s time to prepare, we are never fully prepared for the tragedies, the overwhelming struggles and devastation that life may bring. The life of Habakkuk gives us a great model for dealing with those times when we are confused, our faith in God is shaken, and He isn’t responding as we think he should, or even in keeping with His character. Habakkuk first questioned God and complained (Hb Chpt 1). He was completely honest with God about his confusion and disillusionment. In Chapter 2, we observe Habakkuk’s decision to wait on God for an answer. Listening for God’s voice and direction. Now, in Chapter 3, Habakkuk shows us ultimately what we must do when we face the inevitable.

Scriptures – Habakkuk 3:1-6, 16-19

Verse – Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! (Hb 3:17-18)

Thought – First, Habakkuk reflects on God’s awesome power and remembers many times in the past when God has led His people, protected them, and given them victory. This is a great place to start. When you have walked with Jesus a while, you have a past with Him. It’s important to remember the specific times that God has seen you through, moved on your behalf, and made Himself known to you when you needed Him most. Next (Hb 3:16) Habakkuk accepts what is to come. After describing his own terror, how he is physically and emotionally shaken to the core by the fear of impending disaster, he goes on to say that he will wait for the disaster. He has accepted or at least resigned himself to the fact that the Babylonians are going to invade and cause great loss and harm to the people of Judah. He has confronted God, pled his case for the Israelites, but the verdict is in. Acceptance of the inevitable. Last, he makes one of the most powerful statements in the Bible (Hb 3:17-18). Come what may, “yet I will rejoice in the Lord!” That’s surrender! That’s acknowledgement of God’s sovereign power! In verse 19, Habakkuk states that the Lord is his strength! That’s the bottom line. No matter what comes your way, God is your strength. Hold onto Him. Move closer and trust more, cling! One day, maybe later, rather than sooner, it will all be made right, and God will bring justice. Trust Him! He wants to bring you through what you’re going through stronger, better, with more faith and determination that could have been possible without the struggle.

Questions – How have your struggles and trials made you stronger? Have you observed those who fell away from God because of their trials? How do you respond to the question: “Why would a good and loving God allow this?” What insights have you gained by looking at how Habakkuk handled his situation?

Response – Write down specific times when God has spoken to you, made himself known, brought healing, answered prayer, protected you. Refer to this list when times are tough. Remind yourself of God’s faithfulness. Add to the list as new things happen.

Prayer – Dear God, through the trials and struggles teach me to trust you more and to depend on your faithfulness. Thank you for all the times You have held me up, strengthened me, and brought healing and hope into my life. I cling to You! In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

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