The Comfort of Prophecy
Dana reflects on his 12 years attending a conference focused on fellowship and ministry. Initially a minister in an interdenominational church, Dana experienced a transformative journey after hearing impactful teachings that challenged his understanding of ministry. He shares his personal struggles, including the loss of his son, which deepened his understanding of God as a shepherd. Dana emphasizes the importance of hope and perseverance, drawing from Romans 15:4, which highlights the encouragement found in Scripture. He plans to explore the comfort provided by the prophets, starting with Habakkuk, who expressed deep anguish over injustice and silence from God. Dana illustrates how Habakkuk's struggles reflect a deeper faith, as he questions God while still trusting in His goodness. Ultimately, Dana encourages believers to embrace their struggles as part of their faith journey, reminding them that God is present even in difficult times. He concludes with a prayer for those feeling disqualified or overwhelmed, urging them to trust in God's faithfulness and to rejoice in His shepherding love.
Outline of Main Points
Dana's 12-year journey at the conference
Transformation through teachings on fellowship
Personal struggles, including the loss of his son
Importance of hope and perseverance in faith
Exploration of comfort from the prophets, starting with Habakkuk
Habakkuk's struggle as a reflection of deep faith
Encouragement to embrace struggles as part of faith
Prayer for those feeling overwhelmed or disqualified
Trust in God's faithfulness and shepherding love
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 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. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! 3 Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. 4 Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
12 Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. 13 Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?
