OUR SUFFICIENT GOD
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” Habakkuk 3:17-19
These are some of my favorite verses and I have vivid memories of preaching from them, and the effect the message had on others. Below are some wise comments made by a preacher speaking from his personal experience. He found God able and willing to keep His promises. I’m certain He will do the same for all who trust Him – even you!
“Have you ever had the privilege of visiting with Christians in a third-world country? I have had the opportunity to do so several times and I am always so blessed…and convicted. What amazes me the most is their gratitude and joy. I have met many families living in “houses” made from whatever trash could be gathered. Sometimes seven or more people living in one room, sleeping on the floor and eating one meal a day. Water is a luxury, and is fetched by walking to the nearest source. No air conditioning, shoes, medical care or indoor plumbing…and yet there is an abundance of joy.
My first thought is, why? From where does this gratitude come? I sometimes have trouble being thankful with more than I need. What is their secret? The answer is almost always the same. If you ask these brothers and sisters why they are so joyful they will smile and say, “God is good! He is faithful!”
They have learned that joy has nothing to do with external circumstances. Joy is the result of something much deeper…and lasting. God has enabled countless Christians worldwide to “go on the heights” of poverty, persecution, and suffering. They have learned that God is enough. He is all they need. He is more than they need. With this elusive truth comes great strength and joy.
So why do so few of us ever find this type of joy? I believe it could be that we do not really believe that God is enough. We may say we believe that, but in reality we think we need God and the approval of others, or God and a great marriage, or God and financial security. And the more independent we become, the less we feel the need to depend on God. And if we stop relying on Him to meet our needs, how will we ever learn and believe that He is sufficient?
True joy is found only in God. In plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in the valleys and on the mountaintops, God is sufficient. He is good; and His love endures forever.”
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
