Redeemed and Rewritten - Part IV
Scripture:
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” (Romans 4:20-21; 23-24 NIV)
Observation:
What a powerful Word God spoke to us this past Sunday! Chapter four of Romans describes one of the many covenants between God and man, exemplified through Abraham. Even in Abraham and Sarah’s old age, God promised them offspring and heirs as numerous as the stars in the sky! In a technical and logical sense, that may seem impossible, “but with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 NIV). Abraham believed what God spoke over him and was blessed because of his unwavering faith, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness! Because of Abraham’s faith—not only was he blessed and favored by God—but generations after him can still receive the blessing of righteousness through Jesus Christ today!
This is the power that exercising “unshakeable faith” holds. We must continue to press in through prayer and relentlessly intercede for those who are still trying to find faith. Some of us have been praying and interceding for family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and others who have yet to come to Christ. Oftentimes, it can feel discouraging, especially when it’s been weeks, months, years, or even decades, and the person or situation you are praying over has yet to come to fruition.
We cannot view everything through our human lens and expect a time frame measured by our own one-tracked minds. We serve a God who lives outside of time, and God is not a man that He should lie. His plans are not measured according to our calendars and calculations, but in Romans 4, He reminds us that faith plays a vital role in the overall picture. He is the author and creator of the entire timeline, from start to finish. In the beginning, He was; in the present, He is; and in the future, He forever will be. God was faithful to Abraham then, and He is faithful to us now! His promises are yes and amen.
If God said it then, He still means it now! Abraham believed the promises of God before he ever saw the outcome. Will you be like Abraham? As Pastor Julius asked on Sunday, will we be a people who praise God on credit (the waiting period), or only when we receive it (the fulfillment of His promises)?
Application:
Now is a good time to reflect on the promises of God. Has God spoken a specific word over you in the past, or is He speaking something now? Whether it be through the Bible or through someone else, in prayer or during worship, in dreams or in visions—He is speaking. Are you listening?
Write a list of promises or dreams that God has spoken over you and your life (whether recently or years ago). Reflect on His goodness and remind yourself that He is a covenant God—a God of the promise! Spend some time in prayer, asking the Lord to reveal your next steps and to align you with the fulfillment of the words spoken over you.
Prayer:
Lord, we thank you for who you are and for being a God that keeps all His promises. Just as your covenants were fulfilled in the days of Abraham, so are they now being fulfilled! Please help us to increase our faith in times of doubt. Give us the courage and stamina we need to win this spiritual battle against attempts and attacks of the enemy. Help us to continue to 'pray without ceasing', while we are in a waiting period. For you are never late and your timing is never wrong! We love you and we thank you, in advance, for fulfilling your promises to us and through us. We choose to praise you on credit. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray–Amen!