Hebrews 11:1
11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
2 Corinthians 5:7
7 For we live by faith, not by sight.
Hebrews 11:6
6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
17 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,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.
Today I would like to dive into the action word Faith. Let me start this lesson by asking; How strong is your faith? How strong is your commitment as a Christian, to the God that you serve?
I know that we all would like to think that we could withstand any test, no matter how difficult. However, the reality may be, that we may not really know how well we will do until we encounter the test.
The Old Testament book of Habakkuk holds some of my favorite scriptures in the entire bible. Habakkuk was a prophet who was clearly upset with the violence, lawlessness, injustice, and wickedness that was taking place in Judah during his time. He went to the Lord in prayer, asking out of apparent frustration; “How long, O Lord must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Habakkuh 1: 2
I could totally relate to Habakkuk when he said “ How long, O Lord must I call for help? I cry, but you do not come to save me. Haven’t we all been there at one time or another? I know I certainly have. What I love about Habakkuk’s story is this:
1. He knew who to call out to when he needed help. He was clear that God was the only one that could solve this problem. He was a man of faith and he prayed faithfully.
2. He didn’t stop praying just because he had not received an answer.
3. When he received a response from God, he was willing to listen and he was willing to share his honest feelings with God.
4. He knew the character of God. When we know the character of God, it helps our faith in Him to grow stronger. Habakkuk 1:13…
5. He remembered that historically God had been there to rescue his people in prior years. When we are having a difficult time waiting for God, it gives us so much hope, to recall what He has already done for us in the past.
Habakkuk 3:2…
6. He was committed to being faithful to God, no matter what came his way and to praise God in the process. His mind was already made up, on what his response would be no matter the trial. He clearly had faith in the One that he served. I want to encourage you to do the same. Make up your mind now, that no matter what, you will faithfully serve God. Have faith that He will come through for you when He feels that it is best.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
In this life, we all will encounter so many twists and turns that we will not see coming, and the best way to be prepared for the unforeseen, is to walk closely with God. Take Him as your partner in all that you do. Stay in His word, meditating on it day and night. Stay prayerful, by talking to Him at all times, in other words, pray without ceasing. Most importantly, take a few minutes each day, to get still and listen for His voice, which usually comes in a whisper.
Regardless of the answer that God gives you, give Him praise. This is truly the only way, to have faith like Habakkuk!
Mark 10:52
52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
1 Peter 1:8-9
8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
