Living by faith
Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. Romans 4:20-24
From the text, the apostle Paul cited Abraham’s unwavering faith to God. In the Book of Genesis, God told Abraham that he would be the father of all nations. The promise was given early on in his life but after so many years have passed by, it appeared that the realization of God’s promise will not happen. Yet Abraham did not give up instead as Paul said, “his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.” From human perspective, with Abraham and Sarah’s ages well in advanced to still conceive a child seemed to be impossible. But Abraham had proven in the past that God is faithful to His promises. Paul mentioned Abraham’s faith because this is the kind of faith that God would want His children to have. Abraham’s faith grew stronger as time passed by because his knowledge of the character of God had gone up. This is why he did not complain and griped on God when His promise had not been fulfilled instead he gave glory to God. Christians would grow in their understanding of the character of God through the Bible. God’s attributes are how He revealed Himself to the people. He revealed Himself through creation and the person of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The way God revealed Himself provided visible manifestation of His attributes. God showed his holiness, unchanging love, righteousness, all-powerful, faithfulness, grace, justice, mercy, and much more. This is what Abraham realized of who God is and this knowledge brought him to trust Him in His promises. Your understanding of who God is would lead you to submit to His will for your life because you knew, just like Abraham, that you could trust and submit to His authority. As you live the life God gave you each day, remember who God is. “But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago” (Psalms 77:11). Reflect on His faithfulness in the past and let that knowledge assure you today that He never changes. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Let your knowledge of God and His character strengthen your faith each day.
Blessings.
