Blog

by Bill Seng

“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 be joyful in God my Savior.” ~Habakkuk 3:17-18

There is a lot of uncertainty in the world today. Although many people have turned to the Lord, many people are also rejecting the Gospel and marching us toward a bleak future. As it currently stands, people are struggling enough to find something to bring joy, with the threat of terror, crushing debt, and a government that seems out of control. Is there anything left for which we can praise God in our current situation?

I caught wind of the current #1 song in the nation, "Stressed Out" by 21 Pilots. I was expecting it to be something fun with a good message, but it turned out to be weird and depressing.  It was all about how things were simple and good when we were young, but now everything revolves around making money. This song clearly represents the majority attitude in the United States. Most young people are convinced that this country’s best days are behind it and that we must get used to the normal that is our disparity. The past was wonderful, the present stinks, and the future will be worse. We need not feel so discouraged.

In his despair, Habakkuk realized what truly matters: God is on his throne. I may not get what I want, but God remains worthy of praise.

I just finished speaking with a friend about many of my frustrations, but like a true saint he encouraged me to take heart. Everything that we as believers go through is meant to strengthen our testimony for God's purposes. We can rest assured that God has not forgotten or forsaken his plans. He is working everything out for those who love him. He intends good and not evil for the elect. Even in our sufferings, we can rejoice in knowing that we are instrumental components in God's masterpiece.

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Let us not curse God in our times of uncertainty. We can trust him in all of his ways.

Are you facing adversity? Made some mistakes? Crushed by debt, fearful of the future? Fear not and take heart. God is good, all of the time!  He can deliver you from your circumstances in an instant. Sometimes, though, he chooses to let us struggle.

Through our struggles we become stronger in faith. If we were always dealt easy problems to solve we would never come to realize the truth of our frailty. God is the source of our strength. We are nothing.

If you place your trust in material things, I can understand how these would be depressing times. But remember, God is on his throne even now. Our best days are ahead of us. Even if the future holds poverty, persecution, and other hardships, God is still worthy of praise and is still our great reward.

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