What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God . . . .” Romans 4:3 (NIV)
We’re constantly in complex negotiations with God:
— “God, what if you’re not on the other side of this leap?”
— “Are you sure you’re strong enough to catch me?”
— “I think I can handle this one a little better than you, God.”
— “If you show me what, I’ll decide if . . .”
The apostle Paul, who received his sight when he became blind, suggests this negotiation disorder is common among believers. But he also says the cure for our unbelief is to believe God, summing it up with one simple phrase: “Abraham believed God . . .” (Romans 4:3 NIV).
— Abraham believed God to be a loving Father.
— Abraham believed God wanted fellowship with him.
— Abraham believed God would speak with him.
— Abraham believed God would listen to him.
— Abraham believed God wanted to use him in a great mission.
— Abraham believed God knew more than he did when the childless patriarch was called to birth a great nation.
— Abraham believed God was telling him to go, even if it was to a land he did not know.
— Abraham believed God would guide and provide step-by-step.
— Abraham “obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV).
Abraham leaned hard into his belief because he maintained an intimate friendship with the Father above. By staying close to God, Abraham could see the Almighty could be trusted to do the things he said he would do and to fulfill the commitments he promised to complete.
Abraham believed God. Paul believed God.
Tell God, “I believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”
by Jon Walker
used by permission
FURTHER READING
Truth Can Set You Free – by Charles Stanley
Having Faith – by Ashlea Massie
Keep a Soft Heart – by Gail Rodgers