GRITTY FAITH

17 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, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)

Keeping in mind that the world in which Habakkuk lived was an agrarian culture, where every daily need and most sources of wealth, employment and well-being came from what was out in the field and kept in the barns, his statement in verse 18 is extraordinary!

But what does that mean to me today? There’s no olive tree, fig tree or grape arbor in my backyard. And I’m pretty sure there are laws about having sheep and cows in the city of Baltimore.

I don’t just want to read the words — I want to understand the words and the intent behind them. How would this verse apply to me? Well ... let’s rephrase it a bit.

Though there’s no cash in my back account, no gas in the pumps and every shelf at WalMart is empty, though I have no way to make money, get money or take care of my family adequately…YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD, I WILL BE JOYFUL IN GOD MY SAVIOR.

Will I?

For a few minutes, while I read this, I put myself in Habakkuk’s sandals. What would it mean to me if I was reduced to nothing and my natural provisions were dried up? Would I still praise the Lord?

Some people can say 'yes' to this -- most of us can't, and if we are very honest, we probably wouldn't choose to find ourselves in such a harrowing place, but that is not up to us, it is up to God.

Habakkuk had gritty -- dig your heels in, nothing’s moving me -- faith. We may not always need that kind of faith, but …

Dear Lord,

If I need it, when I need it, give me the courage and strength to believe and rejoice when everything around me says there is no hope. Give me gritty faith.

Amen.