I believe in God ... (2) - 5 July 2023

Yesterday, Paul pointed out to us that Abraham believed in a mighty Person who “brings the dead to life and whose command brings into being what did not exist” (Romans 4:17). Abraham also continued to hope and believe when there was clearly no more hope.

We can learn from Abraham’s faith that faith does not ignore the facts, but looks at them objectively: “He was then almost 100 years old; but his faith did not weaken when he thought of his body, which was already practically dead, or of the fact that Sarah could not have children.” (Romans 4:19) We also often face problems in our lives and sometimes our dreams are shattered. Maybe you didn’t get the new job, maybe you are experiencing problems in your marriage or finances, or maybe your child is unhappy at school. Whatever it is, look at the facts objectively and surrender them to God in faith.

In Romans 4:20, we read: “His faith did not leave him, and he did not doubt God’s promise; his faith filled him with power, and he gave praise to God.” Abraham and Sarah had no modern resources, they just had to wait patiently, for 13 years, for God to fulfil his promise. Despite this, Abraham’s faith grew stronger. Faith is not something we just receive and then it stays the same forever. Faith grows! Like Abraham, we can trust God to strengthen our faith every day.

Just as Abraham believed that God could do what he promised, we must also hold fast to his promises. God gave us the Bible, the pages of which are full of God’s promises to his children (you and I). It is important that we study God’s word and make it our own, like Ezekiel who had to eat the scroll and said: “I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey.” (Ezekiel 3:2b)

Abraham also teaches us to be grateful for our faith and to praise the Lord for it. Although he was still waiting for the birth of his child, he already “gave praise to God.” (Romans 4:20) Let us thank God for faith and that we can say, “I believe!”

Prayer: Lord, thank you that we can confidently say that we believe. Thank you for your word and help us to “eat” it so that our faith can grow. Amen