Yet Moments

“Even though the fig tree has no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

For years now, whenever I read these verses, scenes from the movie, “Facing the Giants” come to mind. A young couple, serving God, knew about barrenness and loss. The wife appeared unable to conceive a child they so desperately wanted, and the husband’s job was in jeopardy of termination. Outwardly both situations looked hopeless.

One of the visuals that has etched itself forever on my mind is the moment of decision the wife makes after hearing the results of another pregnancy test. She enters the doctor’s office with such hope and excitement, only to hear the nurse confirm again the negative outcome. She is now standing in the parking lot beside her truck, tears streaming down her face, unable to face this bitter disappointment again. Through her heartbreak and in her grief she says, “Lord, I will still love You.” Her world as been devastated again…yet…she will hold on the Lord. She chooses to continue to love Him, even though she doesn’t comprehend why He isn’t answering the deepest longing of her heart.

Yet moments.

I’m sure all our lives are filled with them. Events are speaking opposite to what our prayers have requested. God’s hand is nowhere to be seen. Nothing is making sense at all. We don’t understand what on earth God is doing…or not doing. Our hearts are starving, our lives are barren, we’re experiencing loss and we feel forgotten and empty. We question God’s timing, purpose and presence. But, from somewhere deep within a calm assurance begins to rise. We remember truth. We grab hold of promises. Faith trumps feelings and from some hidden place inside we offer a sacrifice of praise exclaiming, “yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Look at those exclamation marks! It’s spoken with determination, commitment and assurance!

I have some “yet moments” in my life right now. I’m praying for my dad’s health to be restored, as I’ve watched him suffer for five months now in the hospital and still see him in pain. I’m praying for the Lord to intervene and move dad to a location closer to home and just hearing how it could be another eight months before this can be arranged. I’m living in the uncertainty of my husband’s job and the announcement coming in a couple of weeks as to whether he’ll be one of the many engineers who will be let go and knowing this is a real possibility. I’m praying for God to reveal His plans for me, longing to be following a vision that He reminds me today is coming at an appointed time and won’t delay, (Hab.2:3), but feeling so lost not hearing God speak. I’m praying to be free of fear and experience living in that victory, while still walking much of life as little much-afraid. I’m needing confirmation concerning where our son will attend University in another year and not sensing any direction.

Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord! I choose to rejoice. Not in my circumstances. Definitely not in my feelings or how things appear. But in my Lord! My Lord “is my strength! He makes me surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” (Hab.3:19)



I took the picture above just a couple of weeks ago while visiting a zoo. Doesn’t it just amaze you? How’d that little guy get up there? God says that can be me. He is going to enable me to rise above. Not tentatively and hesitantly, but with certainty.

We need to take our eyes off our limitations and focus on God’s unlimited power. He is alive and in control. God gives us strength and confidence when we cannot see all He is doing, nor all that He will do. Our faith shines in the yet moments when we choose to love and praise God for who He is, especially when we can’t trace His hand.

"You Are Still God" - Scott Krippayne

I've prayed but still don't have answers
At least none I'm able to see
I've tried to rest in not knowing
But not knowing's a hard place to be
But as I return to Your pages
The words breathe new life to my soul
I see You at work through the ages
And know that You're still in control

CHORUS:
You are still God
You have created the land and the sea
May we applaud
And sing to the wonder of Your majesty
The wind will still blow
We won't always know
Why seasons of life are so hard
But You are still God

Help me have faith in the knowledge
That You're greater than what we go through
And when I reside in the valleys
Help me keep trusting in You
The how and the when You are moving
Were not meant for me to decide
Again and again You are proving
You're there at just the right time