“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; 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 will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.” Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT)
Wide-eyed and exhausted, Roy got out of bed and trudged to the shower. He hadn’t slept at all. He didn’t know what he was going to do. He didn’t know how he was going to tell his family and his employees. Sales had been steadily declining and now his chief finance man had absconded to Brazil with all reserve cash. The scoundrel had even paid for his airline ticket with the company credit card. Roy wasn’t sure he could face the world today.
As the warm shower began to refresh his body, Roy began to weep before the Lord. As the words spilled out, he began to sense a strength and joy, which he had never experienced before. He actually stopped praying and pulled the curtain back to see if someone had entered the bathroom. The presence of the Lord was powerful as he finished and dressed for work. Throughout the day, the joy and strength sustained him as he faced his family and employees with the bad news. Without exception, all assured him that with the Spirit’s guidance he could bring the company back from this tragedy. They affirmed their confidence in his ability. Afterwards, he asked his secretary to hold all calls then went to his office and reaffirmed his faith and confidence in the only one who could bring him safely over this mountain.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. O Lord, we face many mountains in our lives. Some are greater than others. Most would discourage us except our joy is in your grace. Our confidence is in your strength. You are the one who taught us that we could say to the mountain be removed and it would be. Today, in faith, I speak to all the mountains, in the lives of all those who read these words, and say: “Be removed and no longer be an obstacle to God’s servant.” Thank you, father, for the confidence and safety you provide. Keep us in your tender care. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his joy and strength and live confidently in him,