HOW DO YOU FACE A HURRICANE…

HABAKKUK 2:2-4: “Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: As I write these thoughts Hurricane Milton is rushing toward the West Coast of Florida. It has become a Category 5 Hurricane and is projected to cut right across the middle of the State of Florida, with the eye of the storm on a trajectory toward Orlando, the area in which I live.

Christians and churches in Florida and around the nation and world are praying that the storm loses strength before it hits an area that was hit by Hurricane Helene just a couple of weeks ago. As we face down this hurricane, those of us in Central Florida are sheltering in place. I have lived in Florida since 2019 and this will be my first real hurricane that threatens to affect where I live. It is being called the greatest threat to Florida in over 100 years.

How do you face a hurricane?

As I ponder on this question it has moved from the realm of hypothetical to reality. It is easy to think about how you would react to such a potential danger but when it is real it takes on a new sense of sobering reality. Not only are we facing a possible 100-year hurricane, but we are also facing a hurricane of unrest in our nation as we approach our November 5 election for President of the United States.

One storm threatens the life and well-being of families and individuals. The other is a storm that threatens the very existence of our liberty and freedom. As a child, we would have drills to duck under our desks in preparation for a Soviet nuclear attack. Today, many are ready to embrace the principles of socialism which thousands of Americans have died trying to prevent from overtaking our land.

To top it off for me, our air conditioner broke and we are gimping through this hot and humid time for the past week and a half. We have to wait another week until the new unit arrives and is able to be installed.

When it seems like the storms are closing in on all sides – what do you do? This is what Habakkuk felt like as he faced the imminent judgment of Judah and an angry Babylonian army that would soon conquer and devastate Jerusalem and the Temple which was the center of worship for the people of God. Storms were on the horizon. They were closing in. As they stood outside the door the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophet Habakkuk and said…

“Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.”

This is the verse that liberated Martin Luther as he poured over the Scriptures. It inspired the Reformation and is the call to every man and woman who names the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is the clarion call for all believers during the storms of life. It is the anchor that keeps us from drowning as we face the surge and effects of the storm of life. While the proud trusts in himself and the world lose heart…

“…The just shall live by faith!”

When faced with adversity, when faced with uncertainty, when we don’t know if the storm will hit us, when we seem to have no hope – we stand in faith. This faith is a gift from God. It is the still small voice of the Holy Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that all things are working together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. We don’t look to the government for our strength. Our strength is found in the Creator of all things. We stand in faith. We hope in faith. We pray in faith. We prepare in faith. In all of life’s storms…

“…We live by faith!”

As the Holy Spirit ministered to Habakkuk, He is here to minister to each one of us in the storms of life. If Milton causes great damage – the just shall live by faith. If America has exhausted God’s mercy – the just shall live by faith. In every trial, in the face of every situation – the just shall live by faith.

“…I shall live by faith!”

So, with Habakkuk, I join in the hymn that he closes his writings with. Renewed by the Holy Spirit, strengthened in his faith, he boldly looks at the impending judgment and all the difficulties it may bring, and writes…

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” (Hab 3:17-19)

Lord, I pray for everyone in harm’s way as Milton approaches. I pray for our nation as we face the most important election in the history of our nation. I pray for everyone who is reading these reflections. Help us to look to You and to proclaim…

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.”

In Jesus Name!