Paul writes some very powerful things about the life of Abraham. Let's see what he says...
Romans 4:17-22 (KJV)
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
1) Against hope, Abraham believed in hope!
Biologically, he and Sarah had passed the point of no return. It was impossible for them to have children. Her womb was dead. He was 100 and she was 90.
Have you ever had someone say, "There's no hope." Maybe you've heard a doctor, loan officer, or other professional utter those words to you. I have no doubt that Abraham had someone utter those words to him, but against hope, he believed in hope!
2) He was NOT weak in faith!
He did not allow the impossibility of his situation to detour his faith. John MacArthur writes that being weak in faith "occurs when doubt erodes one's confidence in God's Word."
This has been the devil's deception from the beginning - to get you to question God's Word: to turn an exclamation point into a question mark. But not Abraham! No sir! No ma'am! He was not weak in faith!
3) He did not stagger in unbelief!
He didn't vacillate between doubt and faith. When each day passed and still no pregnant wife, Abraham did not stagger in unbelief. He trusted God's Word and trusted God's timing!
Sometimes we face things that cause our faith to be tested - but how will we test the faithfulness of God unless our faith in Him is tested?
4) Abraham was fully persuaded!
We often say, "God said it. I believe it. That settles it." However, I believe that when God says it, that settles it! This was how Abraham lived!
Is there anything too hard for God?
Nothing is impossible with God!
I know that when you're faced with uncertainty and can't seem to see a way out that you feel trapped. Believe me, I've been there. How do you face an uncertain economy, skyrocketing health insurance, and the threat of $5.00 a gallon for gas?
How do you deal with the doctors report? They can't determine what is wrong, and therefore are unsure of not only treatment, but also a cure?
I will tell you how you deal - you do exactly what Abraham did! Against hope, believe in hope! Don't be weak in faith! Don't stagger around in unbelief! Remain fully persuaded in the promises of God!
While there are uncertainties all around us, the fact is that with God there are no uncertainties! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! His Word is forever settled in heaven! He never fails or forsakes!
