Eddie J. Cornelius, Minister Emeritus
Faith For Times of Trouble
Habakkuk 3:16-19
INTRODUCTION:
A. It is certain that no one lives a trouble free life. Trouble comes to the high and to the lowly.
B. Some times we are privileged to see the trouble approaching and thus have the opportunity to prepare
for it At other times trouble overtakes us suddenly.
C. Trouble may come in various forms. Paul shows his familiarity with such in Rom 8:35 Who shall
separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
D. In the vision that Habakkuk the prophet saw trouble was coming upon Judah in the form of the fierce
Chaldeans or the Babylonians to destroy and take captive the Children of Israel. At the end of chapter
three in the last four verses we see the reaction of the prophet to this trouble:
1. We see his recognition of fear. :16
2. We see his total dependence on God. :17
3. We see his plan for dealing with this overwhelming trouble: :18-19
DISCUSSION:
I. His Recognition of Fear. Hab 3:16 When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the
voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day
of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.
A. Most Christians believe that they should not "feel" any fear whatever. Because of this belief many
Christians feel inadequate in times of trouble because they do feel afraid.
B. Fear is a natural response to trouble. Fear triggers the "fight or flight" mechanism in the body. There
is a trembling in the belly, a quivering in the lips, a weak feeling in the limbs. These are all
physiological responses to a dangerous of troubling situation.
1. To deny this built in response is to confuse the thinking and the response process.
2. But to be controlled by these responses is to be debilitated in any situation.
C. The key is to recognize the fear and respond appropreately.
1. Sometimes trouble comes upon men as a result of their own wicked behavior. In this case fear
should cause one to recognize the power of God at work in their lives to bring them to
repentance.
a. Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that
b. Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
c. This kind of trouble, sickness and disease brought on by evil behavior, prison etc., ought
to cause one to be thankful that God has not given up on him and reserved punishment for
judgment: Rom. 2:5-9
d. In the case of the Christian, this trouble should be accepted as the chastening of God
toward a child He loves. Heb 12:5-8
2. Sometimes trouble comes to the righteous, through no fault of their own.
a. This should be expected by the faithful Christian. Phil 1:29 For unto you it is given in
the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
b. 2 Tim 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution. :13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse,
deceiving, and being deceived.
c. 2 Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities,
in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I
strong.
II. We see his total dependence on God. Hab 3:17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom,
neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield
no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
A. Many times in life we find ourselves in the same situation as Habakkuk, backs against the wall, out
of options, no where to turn but to God. In times like these it is good the Bible offers us good
examples to follow.
1. James 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the
Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. :11 Behold, we count
them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the
end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
2. 1 Pet 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: :22 Who did no sin, neither
was guile found in his mouth: :23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again;
when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth
B. God can be trusted provide for us. He has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things
as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. :6 So that we may
boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
C. God can be trusted to provide a way of escape for us. 1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation
taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to
be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape,
that ye may be able to bear it.
III. We see his plan for dealing with this overwhelming trouble: Hab 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the
LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. :19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will
make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
A. First we see that Habakkuk is so confident in his relationship with God that he sees this as an
occasion for rejoicing. How much more those who are in Christ.
1. Psa. 27 gives voice to why the one in good standing with God may rejoice.
2. Christians have even more reason to rejoice. Phil 3:3 For we are the circumcision,
which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no
3. The Christians rejoicing is continual and eternal Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and
again I say, Rejoice. 1 Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
B. In verse 19 we see the reason for Habakkuk's confidence and rejoicing. "God is my strength..."
C. God does not allow his children to suffer for no reason. Notice 2 Cor. 1:3-11
CONCLUSION:
A. Trouble will come in this life, of this there is no doubt.
B. The questions, then, become;
1. Why will they come?
2. How will you respond when they come?
3. What will be the result of their coming?
C. If you are a Christian you can have confidence in your relationship with God and see trouble as an
occasion for rejoicing.
D. If you are not a Christian you should be concerned, even fearful of the trouble in your life.
