Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines ... yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. —Habakkuk 3:17-18

The very things Habakkuk had complained about—the fig tree wasn't blossoming, no fruit, no herd in the stalls—were still not there, and yet he was rejoicing. He wasn't complaining now. What changed his mind?

There were three things that consoled him. The first was that he could see that God was what he saw: "The Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it" (Hab. 2:2, KJV). What a relief to know that God sees!

The second thing that consoled Habakkuk was the knowledge that though full intervention might not come as soon as he wanted—"Though it tarry, wait for it" (v. 3, KJV)—it would nevertheless definitely come. There was a plan; there was a time schedule. Maybe it's a little longer that you want it to be, but wait for it; it will come.

The third thing that consoled Habakkuk was the understanding that God imputes righteousness to the man or woman who lives by God's faithfulness. When we say, "God, I don't understand it. I don't know why You have let me wait this long. I don't know why You haven't stepped in sooner. But I am trusting you," we are cleansed in that moment and given rest of soul. He says, "I like it when you trust Me that way."

Are you looking for the vine to blossom before you can rejoice? Are you waiting for the raise in pay? Or for that answered prayer? Are you waiting for everything to fit in before you start praising the Lord? If that is so, then turn in your badge now and give up. As Proverbs 24:10 says, "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small" (KJV).

Like Habakkuk, you will be given grace to trace the rainbow through the rain.

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae, of David also-.-.-.-Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.-.-.-.- —Hebrews 11:32-33

Sometimes when we are confronted by the cares of the world, we find ourselves believing in a God who is different from the God of the Bible. Not believing God is who He says He is probably accounts for most of the uncertainty and defeat in our lives.

Believe in Him! The God of the Bible always hears and answers your prayers. The God of the Bible does not cower in the presence of the devil and will never leave you nor forsake you. The God of the Bible cannot fail.

He is the God of battles, the Lord of Hosts, and the God of victory. He will never surrender in the face of adversity because the war is over and He has emerged victorious! Just believe in Him and the battle is already won!

Never consider defeat when He is in the plan and the battle. Never allow doubt to distort His Word or truth. Above the roar of the battle, only one voice rings out the truth—the voice of God. Listen to His still, small voice whispering His truth in your heart.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. —1 John 5:14

I do not know who this God is who does not answer prayer. I cannot find Him in my Bible! The Bible describes a God who says, "Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Luke 11:9).

You have an adversary, and the answer to your prayers may have to withstand a battle before it breaks through. Daniel prayed for twenty-one days before an angel appeared to deliver his answer. When the angel arrived, he informed Daniel of the battle he encountered with the adversary along the way—but he prevailed because of Daniel's constant, confident prayer (Daniel 10:12-13).

Too often we stop praying just as our answer is ready to be delivered. Remember, your darkest hour and greatest opposition will come at the point of your breakthrough. Persevere in prayer. Be confident that God hears, and He will answer.

Remember that prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue of you talking at God. Spend as much time listening as talking. Take time to hear His answer. Be still and know what God is speaking into Your life by His Spirit.

Jesus, help me to listen to Your voice. Prepare
my heart to receive and act upon Your
answers to my prayers. Amen.

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. —Romans 8:34

Jesus announced to Peter: "Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat" (Luke 22:31), and then added these words of comfort: "but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not" (v. 32).

Not after Satan had done his worst but before Satan ever laid a hand on Peter, Jesus said, "I have prayed for you." He did not tell Peter he should start praying for himself. When you are a blood-bought child of God and you're headed for the last inning with all the bases loaded, before Satan can hurl the ball to take you out, Jesus calls the play and declares you are, "Safe!"

What prayer of the Son has the Father not heard? There is no such prayer. Wherever you are and whatever situation you are in, Jesus Christ is praying for you. And if Jesus is praying for you, you cannot fail.

Intercede for me, Lord Jesus. Take my every need to the
Father. Search and know me. Expose my sin and bring
me to repentance. Use my weaknesses
for Your glory. Amen.