Habakkuk 3:17-19 – FAITH TRIUMPHANT
(Sermon #3 in series on Habakkuk.)
As Christians, there will be times when we face tragedy in our lives.
There will be tragedy of trials. Romans 5:3, James 1:2-4
There will be the tragedy of persecution. Philippians 1:29, John 15:18-25
The prophet Habakkuk was facing the tragedy of God’s judgment of Judah for her sins. (See Habakkuk 1). The way Habakkuk responds to coming tragedy, is the way we should respond when tragedy strikes us.
REALITY OF TRAGEDY – Vs. 17
Habakkuk accepted the fact that tragedy would happen. The fig trees wouldn’t bloom. The olives and field crops would be nonexistent. The flocks and herds would be gone. We must remember that the Lord never exempted us from the tragedies of life, and we must accept them as part of God’s plan for our lives.
REJOICING IN TRAGEDY – Vs. 18
Habakkuk is saying, “No matter what happens, I am going to rejoice in the Lord.” Some reasons why I can rejoice in tragedy:
1. God is the God of my salvation. He is my deliverer in this life, and the one who has saved me so I have no fear of hell, but anxious anticipation of Heaven.
2. God doesn’t change. Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8
3. God says to rejoice in all situations. Psalm 118:24, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Philippians 4:4.
RESOURCES THROUGH TRAGEDY – Vs. 19
1. The Lord is my strength. (Deuteronomy 33:27, Philippians 4:13)
2. He will make my feet like hind’s feet. – Hind’s feet are the feet of the deer, which are strong and agile. The feet of the deer carry him away from danger. God has promised to deliver us from the dangers of temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
3. He will make me to walk upon mine high places. – In other words, the Lord allows us to walk above the problem, so they won’t drag us down. (Psalm 118:6, Isaiah 40:28-31)