Romans 4:18: Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”
In this context hoped is essentially the same as believed, and so what is meant is that Abraham continued to believe in God even when all grounds for human hope were gone. Paul is here pointing out, of course, that Abraham became the father of many nations simply because he believed and hoped in the one who said to him, Your descendants will be this many. 1
How did Abraham come to such a massive exercise of faith? He weighed the human impossibility of becoming a father against the divine impossibility of God being able to break his word and decided that if God was God, nothing is impossible. As F. F. Bruce says, the patriarch believed “the bare word of God.” 2
Application
- When everything looks hopeless, do you actually believe that God will do the impossible for you, according to His promises?
- Why is it easier to believe the lies of the devil instead of the promises of God?
Prayer
Lord, I am weak and fragile, but I believe You are strong and able. Be my strength today.
1. Newman, B. M., & Nida, E. A. (1973). A handbook on Paul’s letter to the Romans. New York: United Bible Societies.
2. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.