”Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
Romans 4:20New International Version (NIV)
Romans 4:20 Devotional
Do not waver regarding the promise of God
Apostle Paul, in Romans 4:20, affirms that Abraham “did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God“. Instead, he was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He promised” despite “the fact that his body was as good as dead.
Moreover, at that point, Abraham was about a hundred years old. And to make matters worse, Sarah’s womb was also dead.
Therefore, this was the reality that Abraham experienced and had to deal with. He was old, and so was Sarah. In addition, Sarah was barren (Romans 4:19).
Consequently, Abraham had all the reasons to doubt. Remember, doubt opposes faith. But Abraham overcame all possible doubt.
We are living in extraordinary times
Just like Abraham, we are living in extraordinary times and situations. The future has never looked so uncertain.
Additionally, the job market has never looked so fragile, the political class has never been more divided and our calendar has never been so unpredictable. And many other things that I may not highlight.
Nevertheless, like Abraham, who experienced a death-like challenge on his journey, we can learn from him and focus on God’s power to fulfill His promises. And this calls on us not to focus on the circumstances we are in or facing.
Peter’s case
Apostle Peter comes to mind when the subject of focus comes up (Matthew 14:22-33). When Peter was walking on water, he kept his eyes on Jesus. But when he took his eyes off Jesus, he started to sink.
Abraham focused on God’s power
Therefore, Abraham got his eyes off his overwhelming circumstances, and onto God’s power. He kept his focus on God’s power.
Consequently, he strengthened his faith until he persuaded himself that God would do what He promised. And Abraham glorified God despite knowing how God would do it. But he was persuaded that God would do it.
Therefore, Abraham focused on God’s power. He was convinced and therefore knew that God would fulfill His promise to him. And God finally fulfilled His promise to Abraham because Abraham and Sarah were blessed with Isaac.
Prayer/Blessing
Just as in the time of Abraham, God is willing and able to keep every promise He has made to you. All you have to do is not let doubt get the best of you.
Daily Bible Reading
Matthew 15-17 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
