“Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the field yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation! The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; he makes my feet like hind’s feet and will make me to walk [not stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!” Hab 3:17-19 (Amplified)
The strength of our character as Christians is often demonstrated in the times of the stress of our difficulties. Therefore, one lesson that it will profit you to learn is the fact that praise is the only profitable response to both expected and unexpected hardship. It serves both as a coping mechanism as well as a highly effective counter offensive weapon that we can deploy to stop the enemy in his tracks and thus prevent him from making further inroads into our lives. When Job was confronted with the calamity that afflicted his life, he was recorded as saying “The Lord give and takes. Blessed be His name” and he worshipped Him. In responding this way, he laid the foundation for his eventual victory over adversity and the end result is there for all to read. God blessed him and returned to him double of all that the enemy had stolen from his life. God gave Job double for his trouble and I am confident that He will do the same for you.
Consequently, we need to start viewing our difficulties not as the end the devil would like us to believe it is, but as the new beginning that God is embarking on with us. So, even if we are down today, that does not necessarily mean that we are completely out of the game. It simply means that we need to stand up on our feet, shake off the dust, reach out to God and get ready to reclaim our loss with interest. At God’s command, we will make ready to pursue, overtake, overcome and recover all that the devil has stolen from our lives. We will refuse to be paralysed by fear or stunned by the shock of the havoc the devil has wreaked on our lives. We will refuse to play the victim, but would jump up and declare that we are victors and then pursue the enemy until he has come to ruin in our lives.
Prophet Habakkuk knew exactly what he was talking about. He understood that due to God’s anointing upon him, the same that is now resting on you, he was not a victim of circumstances. He was born to win and win he would. God would fight his cause and enable him to come out trumps. There could be no other outcome. He would not just stand still in terror, but would walk and make progress and overcome the difficulties he was then facing. He refused to allow circumstances to get him down, but rejoiced in the fact that God was in total control of his life and whatever happened to him. So, you have no reason to gripe when God is already working on your case. All you have to do is praise Him and therefore encourage Him to keep working on your behalf. And while He is doing that, you too are enjoying yourself as you eagerly anticipate victory over your difficult circumstance as well as await the dividend of God’s faithfulness. So, don’t just stand there! Praise God!!
Prayer:
Lord, I praise you because you are worthy of my praise. You are still on the throne and will cause me to prosper in adversity. Thank you Lord for making me a winner. Many shall see what you have done in me and give glory to your name. Amen.