When asked how she was doing, the words came spilling out as she shared about one difficulty after another, all occurring within the last few months. She ended with, “Sorry to complain so much.”
Once alone, I opened my Bible to read the verse which had come to mind:
“Even though the fig trees have 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, NLT)
Some days we find ourselves in an “even though” time. The enemy would seek to bring defeat and depression upon us, trying to get us to wear them like our favorite dress. We must resist putting them on. Our God is worthy of our praise. He will give us His strength to climb out of each situation we face. Not only does He give us His strength but He also provides His joy.
This is but a moment – an “even though” moment.
“Even though” moments are just that – the moment at this time. But our God has a way of turning those around. The fig tree does blossom again in another season, the fields do produce, the barns do fill. We must look to the Lord and to His strength to get us through, one moment at a time. Even though all may appear bleak, even now He is working all things for good.
He takes our “even though” moments
and turns them into His “even now” blessings.
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Intentional Tuesday and #RaRaLinkup and Unite .
That wonderful (and melancholy) verse was first shared with me when I was a teen, writing letters back and forth with another teen who was going through some tough times. Unbelievably, she shared that verse as her consolation, and I see now, of course, how incredibly insightful that was for a young woman of maybe 17. I see, too, in hindsight that God was preparing her for an incredible career as a missionary in Africa where she would need that sinewy faith!
I love the testimony you have shared, Michele. I think the verse demands that we look at it through a different lens at times. It truly is the way we grow in faith. Blessings!
Quite timely, Joanne. This portion spoke clearly: “The enemy would seek to bring defeat and depression upon us, trying to get us to wear them like our favorite dress. We must resist putting them on. ” I’ll make the choice today and resist. 😉 Thankful for the visit via #testimonyTuesday.
Yes, it truly is our choice. May we put on a “garment of praise” knowing that God can turn any situation in but a moment. Blessings!
“Even though” moments. That’s a great term to describe those moments when we know we are blessed but we’re still in the midst of something hard. Grateful that God can always turn them into higher and deeper things. Love this, Joanne!
Yes, Lisa. We will reap a blessing if we do not give up.
I needed that word this morning Joanne! Thank you.
Praying for you, for Scott, and for the boys. May you yet rejoice in the Lord! xo
Love the encouragement here, Joanne. I pray we resist and continue to praise Him even though. Thank you for sharing! : )
Grateful for you and your encouraging ways, Crystal.
Simply a fabulous article. Thanks so much for the reminder. I’m going to share this with my readers.