From Weakness To Strength

August 29, 2011

Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places. Habakkuk 3:17-19

The book of Habakkuk provides a beautiful picture of how to move from doubt to faith, from confusion to understanding, from fear to hope. Habakkuk was a guy who lived during one of the most difficult times of the nation of Judah, but he learned to seek God for his strength.

What I see in Habakkuk’s life is a recurring theme in the lives of Gideon, Samuel, and David. They weren’t afraid to ask questions, but they waited for God to give answers. The Bible shows us that these were real human beings who all had rough circumstances, but they looked to God—and all of them got restoration, breakthrough, and a second chance.

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Hebrews 11:32-34

God is very present to help in your time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). David needed help and he strengthened himself in the Lord. Habakkuk inquired of the Lord. Jonah sought God from the belly of a fish. If those guys can do it, we can do it. We can look past the junk and bad circumstances and focus our attention on God.

Whatever your current situation, you can encourage yourself in the Lord. Carve out some time to seek God—even if you feel like Jonah with seaweed wrapped around your head—and God will strengthen you!

Be strong in the Lord!
Pastor Jeff Perry

Copyright © 2011 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.