Did anyone else have that feeling after listening to Pastor Brent in the morning service and then Lee in ABF?
Mark and I go to the early service, mostly because *typically* our Sunday morning commitments necessitate it…not because I enjoy getting up early, that’s certainly NOT EVER going to be the case with me. So, right after we looked at each other and said “Tolkien rocks,” as instructed by our ingenious Pastor (I think we were like 2 of 6 Tolkien fans, not counting Pastor Brent, in the 8 o’clock service, just so you understand how brave we are).
Moving on, Pastor Brent says "now turn in your Bibles to Habakkuk," at which time I immediately turn to Mark and say "I know that’s in the rear of the O.T., but how about I just look at yours instead of searching for an hour." I’m stubborn enough that I hate looking at the index to find those tiny O.T. books, yes that’s pride…I’m admitting it here, so take note.
Anyway…as the service moves on and Pastor Brent is talking about how Habakkuk goes from confusion to praise and thanksgiving during the course of the book, it dawns on me that God knew that’s just the reinforcement I needed after a confusing couple of weeks for me.
I was sitting there thinking to myself, “Ya, God I am now truly thankful that you used my own personal “mini-Chaldeans” to stretch and teach me, but if You’d have asked me first I would’ve said, um no thanks.” I’m glad God’s ways are so much higher than mine. He always knows what’s best for me even when I’m confused in the midst of it. But it’s also reassuring to know that He knew I’d be confused and He’d set people in my life to point me back to Him in the confusion.
God is just and wise and patient, amongst a grillion other wonderful things I’m thankful for…I on the other hand am none of those things, but rather, a sinner saved by grace that can do no good apart from Him. I can’t possibly imagine the plans he has for every circumstance of every minute of my life but I’m thankful for the light he sheds on a few of them.
17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God [c] is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
~Habakkuk 3:17-19.
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4 comments:
I kind of go to the earliest service because I'm sorta already up at that point in the day during the week already - I actually prefer the music of the other two services, but also do not want to be there until noon or later.
And I just happened to stumble across Habakkuk myself - I wasn't positive as to its whereabouts! In fact, a couple of months back I had to look up some other minor prophet in the index -- while I was sitting next to Pastor Woodall!! My pride took a hit that day...
I'm glad God used Sunday's lessons to speak to you and encourage you, Red. He's good like that :)
"indeed" Mup
...and so it doesn't look like I'm making stuff up - I meant in the "non-summer" I have jr high at 11:30 and Mark has men's group practice pre-8 oclock service...so 8 o'clock makes the most sense for both of us
Man, I hate missing Sundays!
I always seem to miss something good too. After Dana discussing this with me, I read Habakkuk yesterday myself (I'm still waiting for them to post the message online for me to listen to, and yes, I had to look it up in the index too).
Lots of stuff packed into that little book! I actually emailed the verses you quoted to my sis last night, hoping to encourage her in a tough situation. But for me, 2:18-20, wow. I am a stupid, ignorant idol worshipper. Why do I look to my own ideals for answers, instead of the God of all creation?!?
That was a great Sunday indeed! We had a few more people excited about Tolkin than the 8am service, per Brent. Anyway, yes, indeed, custom made for me too. I wonder if everyone had a difficult day or start of their week after hearing that sermon, just so God could be like..."okay you just learned this, I don't want you to forget it, so I'll put you in a situation where you have to claim Hab. 3:17-19" I know I did.
Anyway, I did want to look at my own Bible, and not Jason's so I went to find my Index...and guess what...I couldn't find it...there were too many letters from the editor and notes about my Bible edition and such to give me any help, so I was one of those who kept madly rustling my pages right up to the start of the reading.
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