Unwavering at the Promise
“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” -Romans 4:20-21
This verse struck me because I often feel as though I doubt God’s goodness in my life. He has given me so much, blessed me so much, endured with me through so much, proved His love and faithfulness to me time and time again, and yet…
I doubt His goodness.
I am always seeking the future, never QUITE content with the present. I have this disgusting tendency to look to what others are doing, what others have and forget that God is doing a separate sanctifying work in them as He is in me. I mean, even now as I read these verses there is this part of me that thinks, “Well, at least Abraham had a promise from God. He was watching and waiting for something specific.” As though the promise of eternal life with Christ is not enough of a promise to eagerly await! Foolishness!
Or perhaps, just humanness.
Abraham didn’t waver (meaning doubt, call into question) that God would do what He said He would do. What’s really remarkable is that the Bible shows through theses verses that Abraham grew strong in his faith, not when the promise of God was fulfilled in his life, but while he was still waiting for it to come to fruition. Abraham glorified God, not at the coming of the promise, but long before its arrival. His Master was the Promise-Giver, not the promise itself.
How backwards I often have it!
Forget the über specific, “I heard a word from The Lord” promises. While they are certainly valid and real, there are enough promises in the Word of God that are applicable for every Christian, and work to increase our faith and leave us in awe of our Father, including but not limited to:
>; Mat 11:28-30 -God welcomes the weary and burdened and helps us shoulder the load, giving us rest
>;Luke 11:13 – He will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask
>;2 Cor 4:6-7 – The same God who spoke the universe into existence shines the light of the glory of God in and through our fallen lives
>; Rom 8:37-39 – there is nothing that has been, is, or will be invented that can ever separate us from the love of God. NOTHING.
>; Eph 3:20-21 – glory to Him who is able to do IMMEASURABLY MORE than we can ask or think! Woah.
>; 2 Tim 1:7 – no fear; but power, love and a sound mind
>; 2 Tim 3:12 – if you really want to be godly, you WILL be persecuted (less popular Bible promise, but a promise of God nonetheless!)
>; Jude 24 – He is able to keep us from falling and at the end of it all presents us as faultless before God.
Do we trust God that He is willing and able to fulfill His promises? Not just sometimes, but all of the time? Abraham was certain of God’s promise to him. It says that he believed that God was “able” (meaning mighty and strong) to fulfill all of His words. We serve the same God today.
Mighty.
Powerful.
Able.
And yet how often I shrink at the thought of taking God at His Word.
Lord, stretch my faith this coming year and show yourself faithful. Take me beyond the edge of my comfort and show up on the other side of the cliff. Teach me to walk in faith and to know that I may not know what to say or do, but my God will provide in each moment and show me how to speak and what needs to be done.
Let this year (and all years to come after) be all for You.
Amen!
The Sasquatch Soul: wandering, searching deeply, and avoiding photos. 
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