“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations” (Romans 4:18).
“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised” (Romans 4:20-21).
Though Abraham’s wife was well past the age to bear children, he believed God’s promise that he would one day be the father of many nations. On what was Abraham basing his faith? He had faith IN the promise of God, but, this faith was based ON the character of God. He was fully persuaded that God had the power to do all that He had promised. Of course, in this story, we see that a miracle must happen. Do you see what this is saying? His faith was not in his circumstances or his wife’s abilities, rather, his faith was in God. As the Virgin Mary was told by the angel years later, “Nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).
Unless we have a correct view of God, our faith will falter under difficult circumstances. It is easy to say God is loving, kind, powerful, and faithful. But the troubles come when we are put in difficult circumstances that don’t seem to have a possible solution or a good outcome. This is where our faith is truly tested. What is being tested? Not our head knowledge, but rather our heart knowledge . . . the things that we truly believe deep in our heart. Romans 12:2 says that if we allow the Word of God to renew our minds, that we will be transformed. It is the act of taking Scripture and meditating and studying it that allows the truth to go from our head to our heart. What I mean by this is that our knowledge is transformed into true convictions of the heart that influence our behavior.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what areas you have weak faith regarding the character of God. In really tough circumstances, do you find yourself doubting God’s love, forgiveness, or ability to provide for your needs? Perhaps you doubt His healing power, faithfulness to take care of you or your family, or ability to guide you in decision-making. Substitute your own name for Abraham’s and pray: “Against all hope, ___I___, in hope, believe because of who God is!”
(Excerpt from More Beautiful by the Day, by Sue Corl)