Romans 4:21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

God has made many promises to us, and frankly, some of them seem pretty extreme. The question for us, as is was for Abraham, is whether we really believe them. What makes it more difficult is that sometimes the fulfillment isn’t even in this life! (Hebrews 11:39-40) That doesn’t mean we are to live in a fantasy, ignoring everything that is going on around us. That is severe mental illness! However, it is to remember what the Lord told Paul, that His grace is all we need, (2 Corinthians 23:9) and trust Him with timing and everything else. Abraham obviously had no inkling of how God’s promise to him was going to be fulfilled, but he trusted anyway. That’s why he is the father of all who have faith, as this chapter says.

This chapter is a real challenge to me, because I believe, and yet at times my faith seems so weak. I have seen some amazing fulfillments of things God has said, either in Scripture or through prophecy, and yet other things just don’t seem to “work” like I expect. In particular, I don’t know why prayers for healing or deliverance sometimes produce immediate results, and sometimes seem to have no effect at all. That can be a real faith stretcher! I have received prophecies, through others and even through my own mouth, that say wonderful things about the ministry here in Omura, yet I have seen only the smallest hints of their fulfillment to this point. I need to remember how long Abraham waited, and not lose hope!

Father, I see You working in various ways, and yet the challenges and the attacks never let up. Help me keep my eyes on Christ. Right now Cathy’s health is a particular concern, yet I know that You are faithful, and Your grace is indeed sufficient. Help us walk in all that You intend for us, by faith, in full obedience, firmly resisting the devil, so that all of Your purposes for us may be accomplished, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!