Habakkuk 3:17-18 ” Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the field produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

God has always used wars, famines and plagues to draw His people back. And here Habakkuk surveys the devastation of the marauding Babylonian army in Judah. Both Jeremiah and Joel write of similar situations during their lifetimes. Joel spoke out against the Kingdom of Judah when locust had decimated the country…telling them that God controlled their economy not them, and that they had forgotten that their prosperity came from Him and no one else. (Joel 1:10-18) Likewise, Jeremiah also spoke out against Judah warning of foreign raiders invading and devouring crops, flocks, herds, vines, and fig trees if they did not turn back to God. (Jeremiah 5:17) All three prophets warned the people of things to come if they did not turn from their wicked ways and repent…and all three mourned at what they saw around them. But yet all three drew their eyes upward to God their Savior, taking solace in His mercy and grace.

Author: kezha1

A Christian mother, grandmother, and retired nurse living in Illinois. Called into a ministry of encouraging others to find their ultimate plan and purpose in life through Christ. View all posts by kezha1