I’m reading through the book of Romans, again, probably for the 30th or 40th time. It becomes fresh in my heart each time I read it.
This morning I was reading about Abraham’s faith in the promises of God. Abraham wasn’t serving God because of rules and regulations. He was faithful to God because of their relationship. Abraham was called the friend of God.
“So you see that Abraham’s faith and what he did worked together. His faith was made perfect by what he did. 23 This shows the full meaning of the Scriptures that say, ‘Abraham believed God, and because of this faith he was accepted as one who is right with God.’ Abraham was called ‘God’s friend.’ ” James 2:22-23 ERV
Abraham’s relationship with the Lord was one that transversed the decades.
“Then He brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ 6 And he (Abram) believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:5-6 NKJV
Abram went year after year without an heir. Sarah never became pregnant. But Abram held on to God’s promise. That’s what Paul is telling the Christians in his letter to the Romans.
“There was no hope that Abraham would have children, but Abraham believed God and continued to hope. And that is why he became the father of many nations. As God told him, ‘You will have many descendants.’ 19 Abraham was almost a hundred years old, so he was past the age for having children. Also, Sarah could not have children. Abraham was well aware of this, but his faith in God never became weak. 20 He never doubted that God would do what he promised. He never stopped believing. In fact, he grew stronger in his faith and just praised God. 21 Abraham felt sure that God was able to do what he promised. 22 So that’s why ‘he was accepted as one who is right with God.’ 23 These words (“he was accepted”) were written not only for Abraham. 24 They were also written for us. God will also accept us because we believe. We believe in the one who raised Jesus our Lord from death. 25 Jesus was handed over to die for our sins, and he was raised from death to make us right with God.” Romans 4:18-25 ERV
Abraham waited almost 25 years to see the promise of an heir. But that didn’t weaken his faith, it strengthened it. Abraham trusted God, regardless of the circumstances. He knew that God was not a liar; He kept His word.
“Be careful. Hold firmly to your faith. Have courage and be strong.” I Corinthians 16:13 ERV
How long is too long when we are waiting to see God’s promises come to pass in our lives? Let Abraham be our example – never stop believing but grow stronger in faith!