Devotional by Phil Morgan
In our Bible study this morning, Pam and I found ourselves in the book of Habakkuk. Just to jog your memory (my preferred form of exercise), the book starts with Mr. H and God having a little chat. Habakkuk says, “The world is going to hell in a hand basket!” – Hab 1:1-4 RSV (Redneck Standard Version). God replies, “You think this is bad? You ain’t seen nothing yet!”
This is not the response we like to hear. We prefer the “God, I’ve got a problem” prayers to be answered by God saying, “No problem kiddo, I’ll get right on that!” Unfortunately, in my life that has rarely been my experience. God has always been faithful to provide my needs, but He seems relatively unconcerned about following my schedule or proposed solution. I’m not complaining, His ways are always better in the long run. Besides, what do you call a kid whose parents always say “Yes” to every demand? Spoiled! God doesn’t want to raise spoiled kids, He wants to guide us to maturity, one lesson at a time.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be MATURE and complete, not lacking anything.”
– James 1:2-4 NIV
The book of Habakkuk ends with one of the best “how-to’s” for faith and fulfillment in the whole Bible. A series of examples basically say, “Even though my present stinks and my future doesn’t look much better, I choose to find joy (and comfort and meaning and purpose) in the Lord. My troubles may be too big for me, but not for Him!” (Paraphrase mine).
This message is nothing new. I’ve shared it in many forms over the years, but maybe today this is just for you. I don’t know your situation, and I can’t hear the prayers that are hanging heavy in your heart, but I do know this – God is enough. As we often sing, “When all I have is Jesus, I have more than enough.”
I’ll leave you today with a quote from Robert Morgan’s book, The Strength You Need, – “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve calmed myself down by quoting Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart.” That verse doesn’t provide all the answers, but it rests in Him who has all the answers. And I’d rather be in the hands of Him who has all the answers than to have all the answers in hand.”
Take a deep breath… relax… and trust Him. God’s got this.
Grateful to be His,
Phil and Pam
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