When you’re yearning for the world—or perhaps your own life—to settle down, yet a resolution seems nowhere in sight, it can be comforting to remember the promises God made to us. Abraham went through a similar phase in his life. For him and his wife, year after year, God’s promise of a son felt like it would never happen. How did he keep going? Abraham’s approach can be a guide for us. Here’s that strategy, inspired by Romans 4:18-24. Although it’s a lengthy passage, the wisdom it holds is priceless.
Romans 4:18-24: “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it has been said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ 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. 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 promised. This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteous.’ The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.”
If anyone had a reason to lose hope, it was Abraham. He was in a new land, far from his familiar environment and extended family, which were crucial for survival back then. Yet, “against all hope,” he continued to believe in God’s word. Abraham didn’t ignore the facts he faced. He acknowledged that “his body was as good as dead” and “Sarah’s womb was dead.” People of their age weren’t having babies. Without a cheering team or support group, he pressed on by recalling and confessing who God is, which helped him give “glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he promised.” Abraham knew he couldn’t change the situation, but he was convinced that God could!
Practical Steps to Embrace Abraham’s Strategy:
– Acknowledge Reality: Recognize the facts of your situation, just like Abraham did.
– Hold onto Hope: Believe in the promises, even when they seem distant.
– Confess Faith: Regularly affirm who God is and His power.
– Stay Encouraged: Remember that God has called you righteous because of your faith.
When we face unchangeable situations, let’s do like Abraham and cling to God’s promise. Abraham made many mistakes in his new land, yet his unwavering belief in God’s reliability led God to call him righteous. Verse 24 assures us that God considers us righteous too, because we have Abraham’s promises and, more importantly, the risen Jesus Christ. No matter what’s happening around you, remember you are in a divinely privileged seat—you are part of Abraham’s lineage and Jesus’ family. Throughout the Bible, God has promised never to abandon His own and to prosper us in every good way. Keep glorifying God and stay persuaded!
God bless you!
Pastor Janice Fareed-Hardy
