Rejoice in the Hard Times

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 NIV)

Job was blameless and upright. He feared God and shunned evil. Yet, Job quickly became acquainted with suffering and hard times. One minute he was prosperous and enjoying life with his large family, and the next minute he was knocked to his knees. He lost his oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, servants, house, and children all in one day (chapter 1 of Job)!

Maybe we are walking closely with the Lord yet suffering greatly. We look around and see others having a much easier time than ourselves. Evil is all around us. It may look to us, at times, that the unrighteous are in control. We may wonder why God permits this to be. We need to remember that God will judge the wicked. Justice will be served in
His time, not ours. Also, keep in mind that our time isn’t the same as God’s.

God allowed Job to be tested to prove that his faith was genuine. God may also be permitting the same thing in your life as He is in mine. Cling to Jesus during those times. Get closer to God than you usually are. He will restore you! Rejoice in the Lord, for He is with you.