Higher Heights
By Rev. Dr. Barbara R. Chisolm, 7thEpiscopal District
Habakkuk 3:19 says, “God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.”Habakkuk is a classic allegory of the Christian life. However, his message is extremely relevant for the age in which we live.
Habakkuk was prophetically unique. His message varied in that he did not speak to the people on behalf of God; but rather, he spoke to God on behalf of the people. Habakkuk’s message was uniquely profound because his approach to God is one that many of us find ourselves in today. We are asking God how long will evil go unchecked while the righteous cry out for justice.
Habakkuk witnessed the social ills of his day. He saw Israel turn away from God. Social injustices went unchecked. Violence, strife, and unbelief were rampant. Israel, the apple in God’s eye, somehow forgot God. This is all too familiar.
Today, we struggle as leaders of the church. There are many similarities between Habakkuk’s time and our present society. We are asking similar questions. Why do we experience silent prejudices, often masked as equal and civil rights? Prison reforms are being reversed. In many instances, prisons are now privately-owned institutions. Affirmative action initiatives are being eliminated. We have lost our moral standing. Anything goes and people can and will say anything to one another. Yet, as the church, we are called to a higher standard.
God gave Habakkuk three woes in helping the prophet to understand that He was not blind to the sins occurring in the world. In other words, “God sees it!” However, do not get discouraged! Do not become dismayed! Do not stop preaching, working, or serving. Your present suffering is only preparing you for the best that is yet to come.
Habakkuk said, “God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.” As we walk, God walks with us. Each course of the journey prepares us for what is ahead. We are always being developed by God. None of our experiences are for naught. God is preparing you for higher heights! Pray that God gives us the feet to thread.
