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CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
Small words — those of few letters — can really make a difference when reading. Words like ‘but,’ ‘and,’ ‘not,’ ‘for’ or ‘yet’ have the power to change the structure of a sentence.
Do you remember a time when a seemingly small word made an impact on the meaning of something you read? I sure do.
It was strange to me when I continued thinking about the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. It’s not one I typically read, or one that prompted faith or security to me at the time. It was unfamiliar.
I sought my husband’s theological library and couldn’t find much to read about the book, so I just had to get my Bible and read it all for myself. What I discovered changed my life and continues to encourage me, so now I share it with you.
The prophet Habakkuk was someone God spoke to, and through, during a time of unrest and wickedness. He communicated God’s truth when few were interested.
Even for him, his messages were heavy and burdensome.
Regardless, he chose to stand as a watchman and guard, looking and listening for God’s direction and cautions. In chapter two, God spoke specifically to him, and asked Habakkuk to record a prophecy. One outstanding declaration is “… the righteous will live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4) We can read his prayer, too, in chapter three, as it concludes the book.
Three verses captured me then and still do: 3:16-19. They remain in my mind and continue to caution and encourage me.
My takeaway phrase is “Faith always includes ‘yet.’ My personal paraphrase says: I hesitate with fear and caution as I grasp what God says … I tremble, for as I understand His message I realize I must also wait for what will affect me and people around me. But — I also remind myself that when we do what is needful (plant expecting a harvest, do due-diligence at my life’s work) … And then disaster still strikes (no yield, my savings are gone). I did all I knew to do, and even so, things are a mess … I pause — yet.
Yet once more I will choose God and His ways. I will rejoice in Him.
He is my strength, and enables me to live in dangerous situations, seemingly as though it were normal and safe.
I pray you too will be encouraged by Habakkuk’s prayer, faith and choices. Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
