The day of distress.

Habakkuk 3:1-216-18, A PRAYER of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. LORD, I have heard the report about Thee and I fear. O LORD, revive Thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. … I heard and my inward parts trembled, at the sound my lips quivered. Decay enters my bones, and in my place I tremble. Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, for the people to arise who will invade us, though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD. I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

The prophet hears the word of the Lord: that He will rise up against evil and “go forth for the salvation of Thy people.” Yet in the process there may be suffering. The early days of the church were marked by suffering and martyrdom; our own culture has not experienced that here in this country. All over the world today there are those who love not their own life even as they bear witness to the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if we should suffer, we know that is not to be compared to the glory to be revealed!

Lord Jesus, You suffered to set us free from the power of death and those who can kill the body; we put all of our trust in You who has given us Your great salvation for our souls. Thank You for Your promise to be with us, even though suffering may come, even to the end of the age. Give us the strength to bear witness to You being faithful to the very end!