FRIDAY June 26, 2020
Hope in God’s Promises
…who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be. And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Romans 4:18-22
Remember, Abraham was justified through faith. Through God’s resurrection power and not by any human effort, Abraham would receive the promise of a child––Isaac. Paul, from a human perspective, spoke of Abraham’s impossible circumstances. He was a hundred years old! So having a child would be a complete miracle that only God could do! Abraham’s wife Sarah would become pregnant. She was only ten years younger than Abraham! Yet he never wavered in his faith. The word waver means “to stagger.” He never staggered at the impossibility of God’s promise. Abraham, by believing God, affirmed His existence and character. He had a strengthening faith which gave glory and honor to God. Abraham was convinced that God could do it. He received the promise and became the father of many nations (Genesis 15:5-6; Genesis 17:17).
All that God had given to Abraham––his righteousness, his inheritance and his priorities––was not gained by works, but by faith. I think of all I have gained through faith in Jesus Christ at this present time–– the church building, the parking lot, and the radio ministry. I thank God for the congregation; through their giving and prayers, this ministry has moved ahead––to the glory of God.
Be careful of unbelief. God can do anything in your life according to His will. By faith, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Place your faith in Him for salvation, and He will take His blood and cleanse you from your sin––forever and ever you can become a child of God.
The man who clings to his own righteousness is like a man who grasps a millstone to prevent himself from sinking in the flood.
~C. H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!