Despite the Obstacles

“Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no grain, even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty, I will still be joyful and glad, because the Lord God is my savior. The Sovereign Lord gives me strength. He makes me sure-footed as a deer and keeps me safe on the mountains.”‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭

Despite obstacles in the natural, we have to trust that God is good. We trust that he will save us. We trust that he will keep us safe. It is easy to get distracted by the circumstances around us when things look bleak.

Several times in my life I have been thrown off by the enemy, because my focus was on what was not happening in the natural. I was focused on the lack of fruit on the trees and vines. I was focused on the fact that there was nothing being produced in my life in the natural and often in the spiritual. I saw no way to provide for myself or my family. Or I saw the lack in the bank account, and began to doubt as the income and expenses didn’t match up.

I faced that scenario more times than I like to remember. I know I failed to learn the lesson many times, and allowed worry and doubt to sit in and steal my peace and joy during those time periods. Yet looking back, it is not the difficulty I remember; it is solely God‘s provision.

The last time that we faced this unexpectedly was in 2013. During that time I pressed into God more than I ever had before. I was able to recognize Him moving in the moment. I never took my eyes off Him in my heart and sorrow. just has he had in times before, He made a way when they seem to being away.

Since July, I have been concerned that I put myself back in this predicament. It wasn’t thrown up on me like in times before but instead it was a choice to follow God‘s direction and obedience. I realize the last time, a decade ago, prepared me to trust and obey Him. Although I’ve had thoughts of “what ifs,” I’ve never ruminated on them. Instead, I focused on my relationship with Him. Obedience, trust, joy, and peace have guided me.

The provision was never lacking, even though there was nothing to harvest. I had no doubt or fear that gripped me; even when those thoughts came, I just reminded myself that it is Him that is in control. I know even if I don’t know where things would come from, He does. He is faithful. He was faithful when I didn’t understand that He was my provider, and He has been faithful since I learned that lesson. He is always faithful, regardless of what things look like in the natural.

Heavenly Father, I love You, and I praise You. Thank You for being my Provider and for the lessons you have shown me even through the seasons of barrenness. Lord I keep my focus on Your goodness. I keep my focus on Your joy. I know that You are my provision and my protection. I honor You with all that I am, and all that You have blessed me with in Jesus name amen.