Romans 4:18-20: “In hope he (Abraham) believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.”
Have you ever had to make a decision that had longtime repercussions or effects? Abraham faced that back in the book of Genesis. His obedience affected the history of the world.
Lessons we can learn from Abraham’s life:
- His faith was tested is shown in Romans 4:19. He was old, and so was Sarah. Beyond standard physical years to be able to become pregnant and have children. He was 99 yrs. old and Sarah was 89! Yet he believed God for what He said-promised.
- Faith was unwavering and matured –“grew strong in his faith,” Verses 20 and 21. Abraham never doubted – “was fully convinced.”
- As Abraham grew strong in his faith He gave glory to God.
- Jesus was born through the line of Abraham. God’s promise to Abraham was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
- Key reference verse about Abraham – Gen. 15:6: “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Remember, the Hebrew word translated for “believed” means to say Amen – truly, it is certain!
As Abraham believed God, how I want to have faith in God like Abraham had! No doubts – no but and -what-ifs and being constrained by human constraints of perspective. There are over 60 references to faith or unbelief in Romans. The phrase, “by faith” is said 21 times in Hebrews 11. Sure and certain are two words that describe the word faith. It is having hope against all hope.
Yes, Abraham made mistakes. Under direct pressure, he distorted the truth but was also known for his wisdom and faithfulness and consistently trusted in God’s provisions. The obstacles he faced strengthened his faith, and God rewarded Him for it. Don’t we all learn from our mistakes more than our successes? What obstacles are strengthening your faith recently?
God spoke to Abraham back in Gen. 15:1 when He said: “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward.” God gave Abraham a reason to have courage – that God would be his shield. A shield protects us from harm or being hurt. It blocks out what is harmful. It is a person or thing that protects against danger. I had to remind myself of that this past week.
As God was a shield to Abraham, He will be a shield to you through your complete faith in God’s promises and power. God will stay with you through any trial. God will reward you by Him being glorified in you. He wants to make you holy and pure.
May you put your name in this blank today: “I, _______________, will put my hope against hope in God alone. I will not waiver. I will not fret. My abilities are useless in comparison to the power of God, and I believe that God has the power to do as He promised, just as Abraham believed. I will have hope against all hope for God is faithful!
Listen to Danny Gokey’s Lyric Video – Hope In Front Of Me.