THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM
ROMANS 4:19-20 NKJV
19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,
You could write a book about Abraham and his faith. But for time's sake, we will take a quick look at some of the factors that made Abraham's faith an example to us all.
Abraham considered God's promise more real than his feelings and circumstances.
God had promised Abraham that he and Sarah were going to have a baby boy. The challenge was that Abraham was 99 years old, and Sarah was 90. That challenge was compounded by the fact that Sarah had been unable to have children during her younger childbearing years.
So Abraham did not get hijacked by his physical inability or Sarah's age and history. The scriptures do not say Abraham denied the physical realities he was facing. But Abraham did not elevate the physical realities above the power of God's promise.
Abraham believed in a big God. He was convinced that God was the Most High. That God was the Possessor of heaven and earth. (Genesis 14:22) Abraham believed God was able to do what He had promised. So Abraham stayed with the promise. And that is our next factor.
Abraham did not waiver at the promise of God. One rendering of the word waiver is to separate from. So Abraham did not separate himself from God's promise of a child.
Instead, Abraham's faith was made stronger as he gave glory to God. Abraham rejoiced before God before the promised child ever showed up.
Abraham had a strong, unwavering faith.
APPLICATION:
Abraham is our example. In verse 12 of this fourth chapter of Romans, we are encouraged to walk in the steps of the faith that Abraham had.
So, we consider God's promises to us a greater reality than the physical and material realities around us.
And we connect to God's promises by praising, thanking, and giving glory to God before we see changes in our lives. Our praise is promise-based, not physical senses based.
We can walk in the same kind of faith that Abraham walked in.
PRAYER:
Father, I consider You and Your promises to be my highest reality.