“HE GREW STRONG IN HIS FAITH!”

Romans 4:13-25                               (ESV)

The Promise Realized Through Faith

[13] For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. [14] For IF it is the ADHERENTS OF THE LAW who ARE TO BE THE HEIRS, FAITH IS NULL and THE PROMISE IS VOID. [15] For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. [16] THAT IS WHY IT DEPENDS ON FAITH, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also TO THE ONE WHO SHARES THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM, who is the father of us all, [17] as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the GOD in whom he believed, WHO gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. [18] In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” [19] He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. [20] No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of GOD, but “HE GREW STRONG IN HIS FAITH” as he gave glory to GOD, [21] fully convinced that GOD was able to do what HE had promised. [22] That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” [23] But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, [24] BUT FOR OURS ALSO. It will be counted to us who believe in HIM WHO raised from the dead JESUS our LORD, [25] WHO was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”

The FAITH of Abraham wasn’t always as strong as it wound up being.  This humble servant has always understood that Abraham was the one who believed SO MUCH that he was about to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) in obedience to GOD?  But this passage of Scripture makes it plain that “HE GREW STRONG IN HIS FAITH”, indicating maturity that time and trials developed.  

As I mature in my FAITH, it amazes me that ALMIGHTY GOD was/is so patient with me that HE has allowed me SO MUCH latitude! Why would a thrice HOLY GOD permit a wretch such as I to doubt HIS abilities when I question HIM and HIS “ways” (Isaiah 55:8-9)?  

LORD, cause me to be one that YOU will one day say “HE GREW STRONG IN HIS FAITH” regardless of my feebleness and immaturity!  I SEE YOUR HAND in my life and I realize that I am NOTHING without YOU in me!  Help me to show through time and trials that “HE GREW STRONG IN HIS FAITH”!!!