ARCHBISHOP AND PRESIDING PRELATE
His Beatitude Sir Godfrey Gregg DD
To our beloved Patriarch and Bishop of Starlight of Israel Healing School Sir Darrindel Hoyte-Johnson, Patriarch McGillvary and the Queen Abbess of London, England; Matriarch-Elect Hon. Janet McClean, Crowned Queen Abbess Dr. Jacinta Albert-Patrick, Cardinal Sir Eric Alleyne, brothers, sisters, friends and well-wishers greetings.
In the Midst of Crisis, Rise Above it. In the Midst of Crisis, Pray about it.
We considered how we can rise above in times of crisis using the example of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk chapter 3, specifically looking at verses 18-19.
Now let’s notice how this chapter begins — “A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet.” How do you start your day or your church service? That can determine the end results of your actions. Do you start your day with prayer? If, you don’t then this is an opportunity to start.
So, when Habakkuk says “Though …” all these bad things are happening or will occur “yet I will rejoice in the LORD …”, he is acknowledging to God his choice to find all he needs in Him. Habakkuk is expressing his trust and praising God for being the One who makes rising above possible in the midst of crisis. Prayer must be a part of the process.
Pour out your heart to God. Tell Him how you feel and what the problems are. Have you trials and temptations then take it to the Lord in prayer. Whatever the situation is tell it to Jesus Christ. He is willing to hear and answer your requests.
This is what Habakkuk was doing in the beginning verses of chapter three. He was laying the crisis out before the Lord and admitting how it made him feel afraid.
These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God. Psalm. 42:4-5
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 This is the Lord’s doing and you fulfilling the purpose of God in your journey here on earth. It is you and God in the end and not another. You have to pour out your heart and not another. It is you alone before the Lord. Talk to him and tell Him what are the problems.
Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lamentations. 2:19 I tell you as we open out hearts to the Lord with all sincerity He will draw nigh to you. I know you can do it and the best time in the night is the third watch. Try it tonight and tell me in a testimony the results. I am a believer and a survivor. I pray in the night (third watch) and God is more than able.
Put your trust in God.
Habakkuk acknowledged God as his Lord, Savior, and strength. Notice that he didn’t merely recognize God as the Lord but also as the Sovereign Lord … the One who had all things under control and therefore could be trusted. Acknowledging to God who he knew Him to be served as a reminder that he could indeed trust God no matter what happened.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm. 46:1 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Psalm. 62:5-8
Praise God even in the midst of crisis.
Habakkuk was afraid yet chose to rejoice in the Lord, to be joyful in Him. He was basically telling God that He was enough. He was able to praise God because in His presence there was fullness of joy regardless of the circumstances Psalm. 16:11.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians. 5:16-18
May Almighty God continues to lead you step by step, only if you are willing to submit to His authority, will and purpose. You are told or may I say warned to come back to the place where God’s leadership is for your well being. Trust your leadership and walk in the vocation wherein you’re called.
