Bible Reading: Habakkuk 1-3; Revelation 14.
Memory Verse: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18 KJV
Isaiah 43:2 (KJV) says, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” This was a message to the Israelites and to us all disciples of Christ that God will not abandon you in your challenges. Furthermore, it uses the word “when” and not “if” you pass through; signifying each of us will pass through one challenging time or the other.
The comfort there is that God Almighty promises to be with you through the stormy situation. So it does not matter what challenging times you are going through now, just recognize God is with you as He was with Jonah while He was in the belly of a great fish for three days and three nights (Jonah 1:17). God is aware of every situation His children go through and He allowed it as evidenced in Job 1:8-12. Sometimes it is a test of faith as in the case of Job. At other times, it’s a case of punishment for sins committed like Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30-33).
Whichever case it is, God expects you to acknowledge Him as your Lord and Saviour who is the unchanging changer. When Nebuchadnezzar did this, ( Daniel 4:34-35) he was not only restored back to humanity, his kingship was also restored! “At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. [37] Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase” (Daniel 4:36-37).
In Deuteronomy 32:39 (KJV), God himself says “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.” He is a jealous God that does not want his glory shared with anyone which explains why He turned Nebuchadnezzar to an animal when he tried to share his glory. Rather than exalt yourself, grumble or murmur, just give all the glory to Him as Prophet Habakkuk states in Habakkuk 3:18 (KJV), “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Action Point: Exalt God Almighty by singing Praises unto Him for a minimum of 30 minutes today.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero