Sunday August 10, 2025

Sermon Title: Faith That Stands When Everything Fails

Series Big Idea: Capturing the urgency and clarity of the prophets’ messages in turbulent times

Sermon Big Idea: Unshakable faith rejoices in God, not in circumstances

Introduction: 

Habakkuk lived during a time of national corruption and international crisis, and his book records an honest, raw dialogue between a struggling prophet and a sovereign God. By chapter 3, Habakkuk moves from complaint to confident worship, showing us what unshakable faith looks like when everything is falling apart.

(Habakkuk 3:16-19)

16 I heard, and I trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Rottenness entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Now I must quietly wait for the day of distress to come against the people invading us. 17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the flocks disappear from the pen and there are no herds in the stalls, 18 yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! 19 The Lord my Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights! 

Faith Waits Even When Shaken (v.16) 

Though Habakkuk trembled at the thought of judgment, he chose not to resist or panic, but to wait quietly and trust God’s timing. True faith does not deny fear, it surrenders it in trust.

Faith Rejoices When All Is Lost (vv.17–18)  

Even when every visible sign of blessing is gone, Habakkuk says, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord." This is the kind of joy that is rooted not in what we have, but in who our God is.

Faith Walks in God’s Strength (v.19)

Habakkuk’s strength wasn’t found in personal grit, but in the God who made his feet steady like a deer’s on rocky paths. Real faith doesn't escape trials—it endures them by walking with God's strength.

Conclusion: 

Habakkuk’s transformation from fear to faith reminds us that while our situations may not improve, our vision of God can grow clearer through the gospel of Jesus Christ. As the New Testament declares, “The righteous will live by faith” and that faith finds unshakable strength, joy, and salvation in Christ alone.  

Habakkuk 3:16-19 Bibliography

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books, 1985.

Rydelnik, Michael A., and Michael Vanlaningham, editors. The Moody Bible Commentary. Moody Publishers, 2014.

Carson, D. A., et al., editors. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. 4th ed., Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

Cabal, Ted, et al. The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith. Holman Bible Publishers, 2007.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, editors. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Crossway Bibles. The ESV Study Bible. Crossway Bibles, 2008.

Barry, John D., et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Spurgeon. The Spurgeon Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon. Hendrickson Publishers, 2007.

Bell, James Stuart, editor. Ancient Faith Study Bible. Holman Bibles, 2019.

Redmond, Eric, et al. Exalting Jesus in Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk. Holman Reference, 2016.

Prior, David. The Message of Joel, Micah and Habakkuk: Listening to the Voice of God. Edited by J. A. Motyer and Derek Tidball, Inter-Varsity Press, 1988.

Patterson, Richard D., and Andrew E. Hill. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Vol 10: Minor Prophets, Hosea–Malachi. Tyndale House Publishers, 2008.

Baker, David W. Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah: An Introduction and Commentary. InterVarsity Press, 1988.

AFTER THE MESSAGE

After hearing today's message there may be a decision you have made and you want a pastor to connect with you. We want to make it easy for you. Just scroll to the bottom of this page and fill out the form and our pastor will contact you.