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Habakkuk 3:19 - The Pinnacle of Faith.Habakkuk 3:19 (NLT) The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.CONTEXT Crop failure and the death of animals would devastate Judah. But Habakkuk affirmed that even in the times of starvation and loss, he would still rejoice in the Lord. Habakkuk's feelings were not dominated by the events around him but by faith in God's ability to give him strength. When nothing makes sense and when your troubles seem to be more than you can bear, remember that God gives strength. Take your eyes off your difficulties and look to him. [Life Application SB 2019] INTRODUCTION Habakkuk had asked God why evil people prosper while the righteous suffer. God's answer? They don't - not in the long run. Habakkuk saw his own limitations in contrast to God's unlimited perspective and power over all the world's events. God sees what is happening and has the world under his authority. We cannot see all that God is doing, and we cannot see all that he will do. But we can be assured that he is God and will do what is right. We should declare that the sovereign Lord is our strength each day. Affirming his power gives us confidence and hope in a confusing world. God will give his followers strength and surefooted confidence through difficult times. They will run like deer across rough and dangerous terrain. Doing more than survive, they will reach new heights. At the proper time, God will bring about his justice and completely rid the world of evil. In the meantime, God's people need to live in the strength of his Spirit, confident in his ultimate victory over evil. [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL Living On the Heights If you've wrestled with the problem of suffering in the world, if the calamities of life have been a hurdle for you in faith, you're not alone. God Himself is aware of and empathetic to your suffering. He not only is aware but is also near. If we're not intentional about remembering God's nearness, the pain of our current circumstances can cloud His promises for the days ahead. We can become trapped in our view of the present and use that limited view to interpret our future - a future where living at the height of God's blessing and joy doesn't seem possible. When you dive deeply into His Word, you regain certainty of your future - one that is good and merciful and joyful. The Scripture reassures you of the hope of God and the sure victory that's coming. There is life ahead in God, and it is wonderful. In the power of a sovereign God, you can scale any mountain. Go to any heights. Withstand any storm. By His strength, you can reach the high places of God and find joy in your Savior. Dear God, I dwell on Your promises today to contextualize my pain. Strengthen my feet and make light my victory. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] COMMENTARY High Places Large woolly mountain goats don't necessarily look like the most graceful creatures, but these sure-footed mammals - related more to antelopes than goats - are some of the best mountain climbers in the world. Their two-toed hooves feature a flexible rubbery pad and hard outer lining, which give them balance and grip. Powerful legs can propel them up to 12 feet onto a rocky ledge only inches wide. Why do mountain goats climb so high? They want to live away from predators like bears, wolves, and cougars. They also climb to find grasses and alpine vegetation on which to graze. When Habakkuk first learned of the coming attacks of the Babylonians on Judah, he knew the apostasy of his people was inexcusable. But what about the outcome of God's people and the judgment against her enemies? God was using Babylon to chasten His people and assured the prophet of the doom of the ungodly. Most important of all, Habakkuk learned that trustful submission to God leads to life. At the end of the book - as we read in today's promise - Habakkuk believed in God's wisdom and strength. His confidence leads him to describe how the Lord "will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on high hills." What a beautiful picture of safety and protection from Israel's enemies! This same promise may be applied to those who live at the end of time. When you look around and see the enemy of this world "winning," it's tempting to question God's seeming lack of involvement. But those who "live by ... faith" (Habakkuk 2:4) may sing, "I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (3:18). O God, may my feet be as swift as the deer as I run to You for protection and guidance. I trust You with my future. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] ILLUSTRATION I have quite the collection of flat shoes. They're comfortable and cute, and I can find a style that is appropriate for almost any occasion. I marvel at how women can walk in sky-high pumps. To me, that goes against the law of gravity. But I received a new perspective on walking with God one morning as I opened my Bible and my eyes landed on a familiar verse. The prophet Habakkuk says the Lord will "make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills." As I meditated on those words, an image immediately came to mind of me trying to walk in stilettos. The thought made me chuckle. I've seen footage of fashion models - who should be pros at prancing around in high heels - falling flat on their faces as they sashayed down the runway. Like those unfortunate models, I've fallen down many times in my life. Disappointment when a "sure thing" didn't come through. Hurt after a relationship ended. Disbelief when the unexpected happened. But after each fall, I eventually was able to get back up and continue walking. I know I cannot glide down the runway of life on my own, but with Jesus's help and strength, I will be able to walk upright as I take on the hills and valleys - in high heels or flats. Barbranda Lumpkins Walls Faith Step: What high hills are you facing? Put on, your walking shoes and step outside for a stroll. Pray for Jesus to guide and strengthen you wherever you go today. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Habakkuk 3:19 - The Pinnacle Of Faith. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2006/20060123-1038.html Habakkuk 3:17-19 - The Truth About Happiness. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210815-1022.html Exodus 15:2 - The LORD is My Strength, My Song and My Salvation. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2015/20150201-1121.html Psalm 118:14 - The Lord Is My Strength, My Song And My Salvation. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2012/20120521-2158.html Isaiah 12:2, 3 - God Is My Salvation, Strength and Song So I Trust Him and Do Not Fear. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240420-0938.html Psalm 18:32, 33 - Walking As A Deer. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250315-1311.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |