When was the last time you have read the writings from the the prophet Habakkuk?
I generally don’t like the doom and gloom prophets (we have enough calamity surrounding us) but in his defence, Habakkuk 3 gave us one of the most beautiful Afrikaans worship songs… so we will have some grace!
But go back to the Old Testament and read the book. Habakkuk had some complaints he laid before God… and God answered him. Until we get to the iconic prayer in Habakkuk 3. You will recognize the end:
“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.”
(Habakkuk 3:17–18 NIV)
I was reading a commentary by Pastor JJ Vasquez which taught me something I never realised: it’s about a farmer that put in all the hard work, with no result.
The fig tree were planted and tended. The vines were maintained, the olive trees were cared for. The sheep pen was built, as were the cattle stalls. This person did everything required to have a good harvest… yet it did not come.
He (or she) stepped out in Faith and did everything required, but… nothing.
No figs, no grapes and no olives. No sheep and no cattle.
Probably the worst scenario for a subsistence farmer. A long time of work and preparation for no result, except to start again and try again for the next season.
God tells Habakkuk:
“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
(Habakkuk 2:3 NIV)
There are four lessons I have learnt today:
1. It’s ok to argue with God. Habakkuk wasn’t even subtle about it. BUT he wasn’t disrespecting God.
2. God WILL provide in His good and perfect time. And no matter how much I think I know when it is and what it should look like, it will still happen in God’s timing and the way God has prepared it.
3. I can do all that is required. Not getting the result I expect, is not a failure.
4. Worshipping God will give me the strength and the energy and the willpower and desire to continue. And it will replenish my Faith.
“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.”
