Unwavering Faith

Thank you to our active and retired service men and women, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and others who have served our country and fought for our freedom!

I started reading chapter by chapter through Romans and last night, reading chapter 4, I was reminded about faith. In Romans 4, Paul is describing Abraham's faith in God's promise to him that he would be the Father of many nations. Abraham was 100 years old and his wife, Sarah, 90, when they had their first child. Abraham looked at his body and new it was "dead" - how in the world at the age of 100 and 90 could they ever become natural parents? Paul describes how God credited righteousness to Abraham because of his faith in God. Not for his works or sacrifices, but for his belief in God and His promises. 

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be." 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone,24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Abraham looked at his body and knew it was as good as dead - yet even in facing that reality, he never wavered in his faith that God could fulfill his promises. The study notes in my Bible about verse 20 say, "Faith does not refuse to face reality but looks beyond all difficulties to God and His promises." Abraham was realistic about his situation, but it doesn't mean that he trusted God any less. Instead, he trusted God more! He looked beyond all his doubts, fears, and difficulties and knew God was going to fulfill his promises. Abraham's faith never wavered and God credited him righteousness because of that. 

Are you going through a difficult time? Can't see the light at the end of the tunnel? It's okay to be realistic about your circumstances - God gave us wisdom and a brain for a reason. But don't ever lose hope that God will provide. Don't ever doubt the promises of the King! Believe! Have faith!