Habakkuk 3:17-19

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls-- 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 my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Three points:

1. Sometimes things in life are rotten--real rotten.

In our passage food is going to be in very short supply. The trees are not blossoming, vines have no fruit, olive trees have no olives, and fields are empty. The animals are gone, too. What a time. Death will come to many. Have you ever had situation in your life that was really bad?

2. We are not to blame God.

The writer says, "Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord." What a testimony of faith! You may be tempted to curse God and walk away from Him, but we don't need to. We now show to others the fruit of our true faith in God, in His son Jesus Christ. If we have faith in this, then what a blessing to US and to others.

3. God will give us strength.

We can make it--even if we die. God will not leave us when things are hard. Because things are hard doesn't mean God has left. God is with us, and He will preserve our souls. Don't give up.