In the journey to see abortion end in our nation, it has been a long battle of difficulty, trials of all kinds, at times slow, and even times of what feels like loss and times of victory. Though we have faced all seasons of life in this fight, may we never forget there is joy in the waiting. We wait for the day when our nation becomes abortion free.
In this moment in life, with everything that is happening, maybe you feel like the prophet Habakkuk. In his book, Habakkuk complains to God about the people of his nation. They are violent, destructive, unjust, full of conflict, no law or order and treacherous. He cries out to God, “how long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘violence’ but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice?”
Even if we feel like there is slow change or at times as if nothing is happening, the same promise and reassurance the Lord said to Habakkuk, He says to you, “For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told…This vision awaits an appointed time. It describes the end and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” I pray that you be encouraged today and be reminded God is always in control and nothing comes as a suprise to Him.
In this story, Habakkuk does not get to see in his life time God bring justice. He lived during the time just after a good king had passed and another came but did evil in the sight of the Lord. And though this happened I am encouraged by Habakkuk because he ends his response to God with joy.
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:17-18
Let us too, then as the body of Christ, find joy in this season of life. Let us trust in God completely by His promised Word than in what we see, feel or have. So even if in our journey to seeing abortion end, we do not get to see the change we want and hope to see in our life time, know that our prayers and dedication is not in vain because there is a day where victory will be His.
Devotional for Day 22Scripture: Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. — Job 12:9-10 Reflection: Job was a man acquainted with grief, trials and tribulation. He had everything taken from him, including his family. He endured sickness, ridicule and judgment from his friends. Everyone gave him advice about his situation, questioning his spirituality and his God. Job’s circumstances were bad but he never loses faith. Why? Because “the hand of the Lord has made all life.” Created by God, he knows his life has meaning and purpose, regardless of the circumstances. In our present culture, we’ve lost that basic truth; every life is made and allowed to live by God’s sovereign authority. As people who pride ourselves on our independence, we have a hard time acknowledging our dependence on God. From our creation, when we were knit together in our mother’s womb to our last breath, God’s word is clear that “in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” It’s time for us as individuals, and as a society, to recognize that we exist by God’s grace and turn back to Him, honoring His word and His teachings. Why? Because our world is full of Jobs, people who are dealing with trials and tribulations and hurting desperately. Job’s response should be ours as well. Regardless of what we face (even an unplanned pregnancy) God in His wisdom and mercy will redeem it. How do I know? Job’s friends who doubted God’s sovereignty cry out to God asking for help, God instructs Job to pray for his friends and after he does, God restores all that Job had lost. In other words, because Job never lost faith and knew and trusted His Creator, the Lord blessed Job. Prayer: Thank you Father God for being the Creator of my life and every life. Please give me, and the society in which I live, an appreciation for your gift of life. Please help us set aside our pride and acknowledge that we need you. Show me how I can honor you today in response to all the blessings you bestow so freely. In the name of Jesus, Amen. |