The Just Shall Live by His Faith

Editorial by Jerry Lutz

What if we really lived by what Habakkuk says?

“Though the fig tree may not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines”
I can find few reasons to hope for tomorrow.
“Though the labor of the olive may fail”
I have nothing to soothe my wounds.
“And the fields yield no food”
I lost my job (or the one I have is not enough to make ends meet).
“Though the flock may be cut off from the fold”
I am vulnerable and afraid.
“And there be no herds in the stalls”
My rainy-day fund is depleted; what now?
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God
of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will
make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me
walk on high hills” (Hab. 3:17–19, NKJV).

The faith that strengthened Habakkuk is the same faith that strengthens and sustains God’s people today, no matter how unfavorable or dire the circumstances of life. And just like the prophet, our faith in God may be renewed day by day as we enter into His presence by prayer and meditation on His Word, for “the just shall live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4, NKJV). The prophet assured himself that, ultimately, all would be well as he remained, by faith, in the loving care of his heavenly Father. We, too, may have the same assurance because of the faithfulness of our God. Imagine then, living in a state of complete contentment and joyfulness, no matter what. You would no longer doubt but believe in God’s goodness. You would no longer feel afraid but calm when He says, “I’ll never leave you or forsake you. You can walk through the valley of the shadow of death with Me. You will have trouble in this world, but I have overcome the world. My grace is sufficient for you. Trust Me.”

So, friend, be of good cheer, and remember that the story of the faithful has an ending that is too amazing to describe!

Jerry Lutz serves as president of the Chesapeake Conference.