The way you respond to troubles and adversity will speak a lot about the strength of your faith. Today, learn from the example of Habakkuk in the Bible how to praise God in any circumstance.
The way you respond to adversity will be a testimony to others. This will largely be determined by your understanding of the sovereignty of God--that in the end He is in total control.
Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
As a Christ-follower, you can claim this verse for yourself no matter how difficult your circumstances are. Then you will be able to do what 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says you should do: “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”
You can only be thankful in all circumstances as you realize God is in ultimate control of them and is doing things in and through you for your good and His glory. In the Old Testament, Habakkuk indicated how one can respond when he has confidence in his God. In Habakkuk 3:17-19, he says:
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. ”
Without such confidence in God, unbelievers will look at you and think that you are no different than they are. Even though everything around you seem to be falling apart, the God of your salvation is an unshakable rock. Are you clinging to Him?
What's something new about God you learned through this message?
Who in your life needs to know this about God?
References:
“Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.
All rights reserved.”
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