◄ What Does Romans 4:20 Mean? ►

It was Abraham who did not waver in his trust of God and because of his faith, he was declared righteous. Abraham was not justified by good works... his righteousness was gained through faith in God's Word. He believed that the promised Saviour would be born through his seed.

Abraham believed implicitly that the Kinsman-Redeemer would be born through his seed – through Isaac, his own coming son of promise. Through the life and example of Abraham, we are taught: "With respect to the promise of God, Abraham did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God."

Abraham did not live a perfect life. Indeed, he made many mistakes in his journey through life, and had to learn many lessons along the way. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful testimony to this man that he did not falter in his faith, which not only glorified God but gives us an example of the need to understand how important it is to believe God - for without faith, it is impossible to please God. 

Although he did not understand how this was possible and even tried to assist God in its fulfilment, Abraham became the forefather of faith, because he trusted what God had said. He believed what God had promised him, and he had faith that God would fulfil His covenant promise in every detail, even if he did not understand how or when.

A major lesson that we learn from the life of Abraham, is that righteousness is not gained by works of the flesh. Righteousness is received as a free gift of God - through faith in His Word. As Abraham journeyed through life, we discover that trusting the promises of God and holding fast to his Word, is a vital key to developing our faith.

Our faith can be severely challenged by the problems and pain of life, and faith falters if we allow ourselves to be tossed about by the conflicts, fears, worries, and doubts of daily life. But as we learn to stand fast in the faith and receive strength in the power of His might, the problems of life will not overwhelm us, and we will discover that our faith in the Lord remains firm and is strengthened.

There are many precious promises of God, and faith requires all of His children to trust His Word, believe His promises, and have faith in the truth of Scripture. It is a great tribute to Abraham that Paul records that with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God... and we should seek to achieve an equivalent faith that stands firm on the promises of God.

Not one of us should stagger at the Lord's promises within His Word, for what God has said He will carry out to completion, for God cannot lie and will never change His mind, and the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. He is faithful and trustworthy, and all His promises are 'Yes' and 'Amen' in Christ Jesus. Oh, that we would just trust His Word.

To doubt the veracity of God's Word is akin to unbelief, but many stagger in fear as they magnify problems, perceiving them to be insurmountable, flooding their imaginations with anxious fear, and causing confidence in Christ to crumble. But the man that trusts in God is clothed in confidence and strengthened in his faith, which glorifies the Father.

Oh what peace and power, excellence and grace there is in trusting the Lord. What joy and gladness rejoices the heart and mind of the one whose faith does not waver in unbelief at the promises of God, for he will be strengthened in His faith and give glory to God.

Loving Father, thank You for the example of Abraham. I pray that I will cling to You in trusting love and be strengthened in my faith in Your never-failing promises. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.