"The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.   (Habakkuk 3:19)

The prayer recorded here is one of the Bible’s most encouraging passages.  God has promised Habakkuk that he will judge Judah with the Chaldeans.  That God would allow such an idolatrous nation to conquer Judah greatly perplexes the Habakkuk.  (Habakkuk 1:12,13) However, at the conclusion the prophet’s faith triumphs over circumstances, and he submissively rejoices (Habakkuk 3:17,18) solely in the Lord.  Habakkuk thus anticipates three treasures from God.

The Lord is my Strength.  This Divine strength is indispensable in aiding one in every phase of his life.  (Ephesians 3:20)  God provides the armor to withstand the temptation to sin.  God’s word calms the soul and strengthens in times of adversity.  He encourages us to be bold in sharing our faith, and zealous in our service to others.

He will make my feet like deer's feet.  The imagery here is of one who is as sure footed as a deer traversing a forest or mountainside.  The one who rejoices in God will be assisted in avoiding or escaping those things that endanger his soul.  God will guide him to the path of safety.

He will make me walk on my high hills.  This represents a position of conquering and victory.  In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we are told that those who are redeemed by Jesus are made to “sit in the heavenly places”. (Ephesians 2:6)  This lofty position is offered on the basis of God’s grace.  Thus, the redeemed ones are given an exalted posture of safety, a high moral ethic to follow, and a promise of higher things in glory.

Fellowship with God provides a place far above the despairs and doubts of the world.  “Faith is the victory, Faith is the victory.  Oh, glorious victory that overcomes the world.”  John H. Yates 

By George Slover
 

"For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?" (1 Thessalonians 3:9-10)

Paul was concerned about the welfare of these new Christians. Thus, he sent Timothy to report on their condition. (I Thessalonians 3:1-8)  He was comforted to know they were enduring the trials and standing fast.

However, midst Paul’s thanksgiving, there is also a request.  He prays that he will be able to continue the work he has begun.  He wishes to help them complete what is lacking in their faith.  From this passage, we learn several lessons.

First, we learn that their faith was defective.  It has been a while since Paul first taught the gospel in Thessalonica.  There was much to commend in these brethren.  You became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8)  Yet, they were in need of a fuller faith and knowledge.

Second, it was the apostle’s work to help them increase in their faith.  We are not exactly sure what this deficiency was.  Perhaps they were challenged in moral purity (I Thessalonians 4:1-7), or in ignorance concerning Christ’s second coming.  (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)  No matter what the inadequacy, it was Paul’s desire to help them improve.  Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:28)

Let us keep in mind our own deficiencies, and be always anxious to increase.  At the first faith is weak, and must be developed gradually.  But it can grow if we give it diligent effort.  (II Peter 1:5,6) 

By George Slover
 

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

It is not easy to weigh the future against the present.  Today seems so real and tomorrow seems so distant.   With instant gratification being the motive of our current world, planning for the future is especially challenging.

Modern society approaches life as if happiness were an entitlement.  They seek for it in money, entertainment, pleasure, or a pill.  Yet, modern Americans are among the most miserable to have ever existed.  Paul doesn’t approach life from the possibility of pain, but from the reality of pain.  Whether we like it or not, in this world we will suffer.

In this passage Paul gives us a glimpse of the future.  Eternal life is more than just an eternal existence.  It is eternal glory!  This glory will consist of a close fellowship with God, the redemption of our vile body, and the removal of every trace of sin and pain!  It is the prospect of this endless treasure that helps the Christian defer the pleasure of the moment and to accept the realities of this world.

This eternal state of bliss is offered conditionally.  It must be sought for by patient continuance in doing good. (Romans 2:7) Paul says “if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:17)  The expectation of this future state must govern our present attitude and actions.  If Paul is correct, then I “reckon”, it will be well worth it.

If one will accurately weigh the options, he must admit God offers a bargain.  The affliction is for a moment, but the reward is eternal.  One will finally see Jesus, and in his presence there is no darkness.  “Sing on ye joyful pilgrims”.  The probation period is nearly over.

By George Slover