Successful Living

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. 

Habakkuk 3:19

From whence comes the power to rise above circumstances, and to not just survive, but thrive? We want to do more than just ‘get by’ when we encounter the hard situations in life.  Shall we just make up our mind?  Shall we just be better disciplined more diligent more fervent more thankful and joyful, relying on the strength of our will? The answer to that is a resounding, ‘No.’  While we cannot rightfully ignore the admonitions of Scripture to diligence, obedience, discipline and consistency, we must confess that all our best efforts to rise above adverse circumstances by dint of our own efforts will fail miserably. Who can enable us to succeed in the face of adversity? The answer is, Christ alone.  Habakkuk has been realistic. He has rightly assessed how much destitution and desolation will come upon him and upon his nation. He has resorted to the Sovereign God and the Saving Christ. In our text, he openly declares that Christ will enable him to overcome all adversities and not just survive, but thrive. He employs the picture of the deer, bounding with grace across the rocks and crags. Christ is the Great Enabler of His People. When you find your circumstances overwhelming, it is Christ who will lift you up. He will, ‘make your feet like hinds feet.’ He will ‘make you to walk upon your high places.’  Successful living is grace-filled living. Grace-filled living has Christ for the source of its’ strength. Christ enables us,  who otherwise would be completely unable. He is our strength.

Our most Holy and Righteous God,
we praise You for your never failing faithfulness.
Even though we change and our circumstances may often vary,
yet You are the same, yesterday, today and forever.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning