“Saints should fear every sin, but no sufferings.”
Vavasor Powell
The following sermon excerpt is from the encouraging sermon preached last Sunday by Jason Werges. We owe a hearty thanks to all the preachers and teachers and Sunday School workers who bring us God’s Word every Sunday. Thank you, Jason, for the careful exposition of Habakkuk 3:17-18. Here is the Scripture text and a portion of Jason’s sermon:
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. (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
So, as we transition from our look at Habakkuk, let’s talk about how you and I can have joy in the midst of suffering. And the kind of joy I’m talking about is not some mystical experience, but true joy that comes from the only one that can give true joy. This is Point #3. Do not miss this point friends…God’s word, pressed into your heart by the power of the Holy Spirit, is life transforming! Just imagine the peace and confidence that can come from knowing that you can have true, unshakable joy always…no matter the circumstances. Just a few quick points of application and then we will be done.
First notice the power of “yet.” Everything changes with one word. The power of “yet” tells us that we don’t have to stay stuck in the pit of misery and despair. The word “yet” brings promise of a brighter day when all will be made right. For Habakkuk, everything turned on that word, and it can for us as well. Now most of us will never have to be concerned about our crops and animals being wiped out, like Habakkuk was. Moreover, most of us will never have to worry about being invaded and destroyed by wicked people. But consider what happens when we reframe verses 17 and 18, with regard to our suffering. Though I am diagnosed with a terminal disease, YET I will rejoice in the LORD. Though my spouse left me for someone else, YET I will rejoice in the LORD. Though my business failed, and I lost everything, YET I will rejoice in the LORD. Do you see how that one little word changes everything?
Thank you, Jason, for the sermon. For those who want to hear the whole thing, please go to the church’s website. Have a blessed week and we will see many of you on Sunday.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale
