Today I woke up feeling attacked. Sharing this with a friend via text, she emailed back words that I believe God wanted to me to hear. I am simply going to pass her email along to you. May it refresh your heart and soul as it has mine today.
Habbakuk 3:17-19
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the LORD, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places."
I think it's interesting to note that it says at the end: "To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments." So, it's likely that this was a song.
You invest in people, you invest in projects, you work hard to sow into those you've been called to. And, yet, there are times when there is no crop. Nothing to show for it. Sometimes there's been a spat of bad weather. Sometimes bugs have gotten in the way. Sometimes there is no explanation for why there is desolation where there should be life.
Sometimes, like Elijah's servant, we just can't SEE the things that are real. We see only an enemey's army and not our Protector's. Sometimes, like Elijah himself, we survive and thrive in the midst of an awesome test and showing of God's power, like with the prophets of Baal, and yet we end up defeated beneath a tree, asking for God to take us to Him rather than let us be swallowed up in lonelineness.
Regardless of the whys and hows and even the whats, our God is merciful. He doesn't expect us to see everything. He doesn't expect us to rejoice in the lack. He, in his lovingkindness, helps us survive. Yes, he came to give us life, and more abundantly. But, the Author of your heart surely knows its limitations.
I am praying for you to take your joy in God...your strength. Your provision. Your rescuer. Your answer. Your crop.
Thanks Jena for your obedience in sharing.
No comments:
Post a Comment