“Without weakening in his faith, [Abraham] faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God …” Romans 4:19-20 (NIV) |
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Excerpt:
Abraham’s situation was unique in that he had received a personal promise directly from God. (Genesis 15:4) Unlike Abraham, you and I may not get a sneak peek into God’s specific plans for our futures, but even so, we have a loving Father in whom we can place full trust. Like Abraham, we have reasons to face even the bleakest facts with faith.
This doesn’t mean we are guaranteed deliverance from every hard thing. Facing facts with faith means we are confident that, no matter the outcome, God loves us and He is working. It means we bring two transformative words to every situation: But God.
It might sound something like this:
Money is tight, but God cares about my needs. He can provide, and He doesn’t want me to worry. (Matthew 6:25-34)
The diagnosis is scary, but God sees me. He is able to heal — but even if He does not, He is near, comforting and strengthening me. (Psalm 34:17-18)
This situation seems devastating, but God can redeem anything. (Psalm 30:1-5)
But God cares. But God sees. But God can. Now those are three facts worth pondering! Facts that help us face difficult situations with a faith like Abraham’s — a faith that honors God, daring to hope, and believes that no matter what the outcome is, God is still good.
Father, thank You for loving me. Please help me to see Your hand at work even in difficult situations so I can face them with courage and faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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