The God Who Is Greater Than Your Biggest Problems
Thinking about Romans 4:19-22
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 4:19-22)
Abraham had, what most anyone would consider, some big problems.
He was about one hundred years old, and his wife Sarah was well past the normal age for having a child. Physically, they were both too old to have children.
But God had promised Abraham that he and Sarah would have a child.
What distinguished Abraham from others was that he did not become weak in faith, even as he thought about how old and worn-out he was and the advanced age of Sarah, who had long passed the childbearing years. - Pollard, Truth for Today Commentary, 153
Abraham’s faith did not grow weak or waver through unbelief at God’s promise. Instead, he was strengthened in his faith - his faith grew stronger instead of weaker - and gave the glory to God.
Faith was like a perpetual motion machine to Abraham: The more faith he had in God, the more faith developed, and this in turn led to more and more faith. - Pollard, Truth for Today Commentary, 153
Abraham’s faith was not in himself. His faith was in God, and he trusted that God could do what He had promised. God had promised it - so God would work it all out.
This was the faith of Abraham. This was the kind of faith where “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Tom Wacaster shared the following characteristics of Abraham’s faith (Studies in Romans, 171-172):
It was faith that maintained hope even in a hopeless situation.
Circumstances did not weaken his faith.
Abraham looked to God’s promise, rather than looking to his own abilities and powers.
He had a firm conviction that God could accomplish what He has promised
Paul’s focus on the Abraham story not only answered many questions about the relationship of faith and the Law, but it also showed that Abraham’s God was also his God - the faithful, covenant-keeping God of his gospel. - Pollard, Truth for Today Commentary, 153
The faith of Abraham looked at his situation, realized how bleak it was, and still trusted in God to do what He had promised.
Biblical faith does not ignore the reality of a situation. Biblical faith sees the reality for all it is - but understands that God is greater.
The biggest problems you face in your life - God is greater than those problems. Perhaps His answer to a situation might not be what we would have wanted, but faith trusts Him throughout the most challenging times.
Biblical faith obeys God and submits to His will even when we may not be able to understand the reason behind everything He has said. Faith “trusts and obeys.”
That is the kind of faith Abraham had - and it’s the kind of faith God is looking for today.