Back to Romans 4

I spent some time this morning re-reading the passage that Mark looked at yesterday at church. I have lingered on vs 20-21: "No distrust 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 ESV). Paul is writing about Abraham here. The promise: that Abraham would be the father of many nations. Why would Abraham distrust? Well for one thing he was 100 years old and for another his wife Sarah was barren. How could he be the father of many nations if he couldn't have kids?

Mark spent a lot of time talking about how circumstances just don't add up to what we believe that God has promised us. For some of my friends, they believe that God wants them to be missionaries, but their circumstances have kept them in Morgantown. Others believe that God wants them to do a certain job, but doors keep closing. So what is our response supposed to be when these things happen? FAITH. Abraham believed that God was able to do what he promised. And our faith is not ill-founded. Earlier in Romans 4, Paul describes God as the one "who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist." (Romans 4:17 ESV). God is able to do so much more than we ask or imagine.

What is my response to this? I am always in awe of a great God. But I want to believe bigger things. Believe that he is able to make things happen even when everything seems against it.

(P.S. pic is thanks to Danielle-a pretty drive through TN)