No Matter What Happens

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:17–18, NIV)

Many times, I have referred to the hymn, “I Am Resolved.” It begins, “I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight. Things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight.” We must have resolute determination to rejoice and be joyful in the Lord, no matter what happens.

These verses from Habakkuk are so applicable for this present day. The prophet was saying that even if things do not go well, even if there is famine instead of prosperity, no matter what happens, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” If he were alive today, he would have added, even if there is a pandemic or social and political unrest, still “I will rejoice in the Lord…”

It is accurate to say that we are experiencing a time of testing and shaking, both in the natural realm and the spiritual realm as well. We grieve when we hear reports of people, both famous and unknown, who are abandoning the faith or embracing heretical doctrine. It appears they have lost their resolve to stand firm in the faith and for one reason or another have either given up hope or have been seduced by lying spirits.

Take notice that Habakkuk’s words do not necessarily speak of current conditions, but of the possibility of future famine and lack. In the same way that soldiers prepare for future battles with present training and discipline, it is incumbent upon us to be prepared for whatever challenges come our way. We must be aware of the times and seasons and take the necessary steps so that we are not overwhelmed in the day of testing.

Paul and Peter use allusions to military readiness when they command us to “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13, NIV) and “So then, prepare your hearts and minds for action! Stay alert and fix your hope firmly on the marvelous grace that is coming to you.” (1 Peter 1:13, TPT)

We should never be surprised when life presents us with problems. In fact, Jesus warned us explicitly. “…For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33, TPT). Remember that the cross did not take Jesus by surprise and he prepared himself for what was ahead. “Now when the days drew near for him to be taken up, Jesus set out resolutely to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51, NET)

Though Jesus tells us that we do not need to be concerned about what we will say in that day and that the Holy Spirit will speak through us, we still need to stand firm in our confidence and hope. We must not respond with the hubris of Peter who proclaimed that even if everyone else denied Jesus, he would remain a true friend.

A more fitting response from Peter came during a time when many of Jesus’ followers were leaving because they were unable to accept his teaching that he was “the true bread of life.” Then Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68, NIV)

Our preparation for the difficulties that each one of us will face at some point in our lives is that we come to understand and accept that although the road may at times be difficult, there really is no alternative. Begin now by resolving that regardless of what happens, like Habakkuk “we will rejoice in the Lord, we will be joyful in God our Savior.”

It is apparent that we are in a time of shaking, but also purifying and refining. We may lose friends and find that we have new enemies, nevertheless let us be determined to stand strong and resolved. Here is another verse from the hymn, “I Am Resolved:”

I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.

The book of Habakkuk ends with this verse: “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:19, NIV). The Lord is our strength and no matter what happens we can have confidence that with his help we can scale the heights with sure footing.

Steve Ekeroth

Photo by Nathan Cowley from Pexels