“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised.”
Romans 4:20-21
At the beginning of this new year, I’m sure many of you have chosen a word or phrase to focus on or made a list of goals for 2022. With all of the changes, challenges, and uncertainties life has thrown my way, this passage from Romans 4 has stuck with me through it all. The three words atop this article have been my motto for several months now. “I am convinced” was inspired by Romans 4:16-25. If you are feeling overwhelmed, I strongly encourage you to read the entire passage on your own.
Abraham and Sarah were two ordinary people. He was one hundred years old, she was barren, but God chose them to begin building His own special race. Romans 4:19 tells us that Abraham was aware of how impossible this was in humanity’s eyes. So, what kept his faith from wavering? Notice verse 20. I’d like to look at this verse in three phrases. In each phrase, the first half describes Abraham’s mindset towards all that God asked of him, and the second half explains how he possessed such certainty.
“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God…”– Abraham’s age and Sarah’s infertility would have made it easy to doubt that God would build a nation through this couple. Yet, Abraham persisted in spite of the impossibilities. Doubt never kept him from pursuing God’s promise.
How? God keeps his promises. It really is that simple. God told Abraham, “he should become the father of many nations” (v.18). Our God is dependable and honest. Abraham rested in that fact.
“But he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God…” – As he walked by faith to follow God’s instruction, Abraham grew stronger, gaining even greater assurance of God’s faithfulness.
How? Obedience strengthens faith when we keep our eyes on the One carrying us. Abraham glorified God for the blessings and the victories. He acknowledged God as his Provider, Protector, and Leader. Abraham’s faith in God grew because he didn’t let himself forget Who was guiding Him. Our faith grows when we give credit where it is due, and it all belongs to the Father.
“Fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised…” – Through years of carrying out God’s instruction, Abraham’s faith increased to the point of complete devotion. The word “convinced” in this verse means to believe in something so firmly that nothing can change your mind.
How? Abraham repeatedly saw the steadfast love and dependability of God firsthand. So, he trusted God to the point of laying his life in God’s hands.
Dwelling on these few verses never ceases to motivate me towards a stronger faith…but I also walk away from Abraham’s example with sore toes. Abraham didn’t allow challenges to keep Him from working towards God’s plan. But oh, how often I do. Doubt, fear, harsh words…Why do I let these small things get in the way? Why I do limit what God wants to do through me? After reading a story like Abraham’s, how could we ever doubt God’s power and the blessings He has for us? They’re ours for the reaping if we’ll just have the faith to live out His will.
Anytime you feel your faith start to tremble, say to yourself, “I am convinced. I am convinced. I am convinced.” When life gets scary, when people are unkind, when everything seems to go wrong. If we seek His will with all our hearts, His will for our lives prevails. Let’s live each day fully convinced of God’s power and faithfulness.