“For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”Romans 4:3 NLT
How do you handle the inevitable uncertain circumstances in your life? Believe it or not, your response says a lot about what you believe about God.
I’ve recognized that my response is usually to try to get more information about the situation. I search the internet for possible causes or solutions. I try to understand the people involved and reason out why they are acting the way they do. Understanding and information make me feel more like I have a handle on the uncertainty. Information makes me feel like I have some control. But do I? Not really.
What does that say about what I believe about God? Do I really believe that He is in control and working for my good if I feel like I need to be in control? Do I really believe that He loves me and is for me? There must be some doubt about that. Time for some self-reflection!
I’ve been thinking about Abraham. He is referred to as the father of those who have faith (Romans 4:11-17). What makes him an example of faith to follow for you and me?
The Scripture says that he believed God, and God counted that as righteousness, in right relationship with Him. (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3)
If that is the example, then what can we learn from Abraham’s belief?
I’ve been asking myself some questions.
What made Abraham believe God? What made Him choose to believe what God had spoken to Him and to go without knowing where he was going? My conclusion is that Abraham believed God because of what He believed about God. What did he believe about God?
He believed that God would do what He said.
He believed that God would provide.
He believed that somehow God would bring good out of what seemed evil. (Romans 4:17)
He believed that trusting God with what he could not see was better than trusting himself with what he could see. (Credit to a recent YouVersion verse of the day video that described trust that way.)
Abraham achieved faith in all of his uncertain times by trusting in the goodness of God. If I struggle to believe that God is good, why should I trust and obey?
Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.
That’s what the old hymn says. Trust and obey. Simple, but not easy.
Throughout the centuries that simple truth has undergirded the faith of so many as they walked through the unimaginable. From Abraham on the mountain with Isaac, to those being burned at the stake for their faith, to you and me experiencing tragedy or everyday challenges — Trust in God’s goodness and obedience to His Word and His direction are the major contributors to a fulfilling and satisfying life. Abraham shows us the way. He trusted and obeyed, and God blessed him.
Dear friend, whatever you are facing today or tomorrow, remember Abraham. He believed God, and that gave him right standing with God. His actions flowed from his belief. It was his belief that laid the foundation for his relationship with God.
Start there, dear friend. What do you believe about God, and how is that shaping your response to your challenge? When you believe that He is good and will do good for you, you are more able to trust and obey.
Key Question: What motivated Abraham to believe God?
A Scripture to Consider: “What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3 NIV
A YES Challenge: What challenges have you recently faced? What do your responses tell you about what you believe about God? Choose a scripture to meditate on that will help you refocus on God’s goodness.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for the many times when I do not respond to You with trust and obedience. I so often try to understand and control circumstances rather than believe You. Help me to focus on believing that You are good and that what You allow into my life is ultimately for my good. You are with me and for me. Thank You! Amen.
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