Scripture
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[a] 19 Without weakening in his faith, he 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. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Reflection
God gives us “hope against all hope.” What an amazing gift! When we believe, there is power – God’s power in us. That power allows us to face the most hopeless situations and respond with confidence that our God is bigger and better than anything in or of this world.
100-year old Abraham and Sarah showed us the power of unwavering belief in God. What gave Abraham that faith? What made him trust in God when all evidence suggested that his desires were impossible? We can only surmise, but that level of trust only comes out of a personal relationship. We can’t trust created things in this way. We can’t trust money in this way. But when we know God, then we are able to trust Him. Abraham was “fully persuaded that God had power to do what He promised.” For us – as spiritual descendants of Abraham – our journey of faith starts by knowing God. The more we know His love, power, goodness and authority, the more we can put our trust in Him over all else (Charlie).
Thoughts for the day
- What do you put your hope in?
- Are there things in your life now that you feel are hopeless? What are they? What does this passage say about that?
- How is your relationship with God? Do you know Him? Are you trying to get to know him better every day?
Prayer
Pray for somewhere in the world that needs God’s attention. Flick to a news app or website, and pick a news story to pray for.
