Choosing

by

Charles Ligon

 

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my Salvation (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

 

I am blessed to minister to two men who face tremendous physical adversity. Both live with deteriorating physical health conditions. Their prognosis is discouraging and both have uphill battles. Both understand that unless God miraculously heals them, their condition will only get worse. I love being in their presence! They inspire me because both walk with an undaunted faith and have accepted what the Lord is allowing them to endure. In spite of their ill health they continually rejoice in Him and sing His praises. He holds their future and they choose to trust Him wholeheartedly.

 

Habakkuk was facing adversity too. He found himself in a dire circumstance; everything normal and predictable in his life was collapsing. Still, in spite of the calamity he faced, Habakkuk wholeheartedly trusted the Lord. He knew that God was bigger than what he faced. So, rather than being fearful and confused, Habakkuk chose to rejoice in the God of his salvation.

Let me ask you. Is there a “calamity” you face? Are you being challenged in your faith? It might be cancer, unemployment, a failed marriage, a sick child, loneliness, depression or something worse. God is aware of every circumstance and He calls us to trust Him and, yes, even rejoice in the midst of our trials. But, let’s be honest! Trusting God and rejoicing during any adversity is not easy, nor is it common. Casting our cares and letting go of anxiousness is easier said than done. Singing praises with a broken heart, through tears, is not normal activity. But, neither was it normal for Habakkuk. Despite his difficulty, he chose to be joyful in the God of his salvation. It was a decision.

 

Our workplace challenge is to choose to trust God when adversity comes. We must choose to trust Him in all circumstances and declare publically our wholehearted dependence on Him. Sing praise songs more. Meditate on His promises more. Reflect more on the many ways He has been your helper through the years. Decide now to rejoice in the God of your salvation for He is your strength and your joy, and you can trust Him!