FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 4:18–19: 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.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
Abraham’s faith faced two obstacles. The obvious barrier to his believing God would give him a child was the biological impossibility due to Sarah’s and his age.
The less obvious obstacle was the staggering nature of the promise. That is, the promise was so wonderful, it was hard to believe—it was too good to be true! To think that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars above and the dust below, that all the earth would be blessed through him, that he would achieve a standing he did not deserve—this was difficult to believe. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5
Jesus, thank You for being my hope. Thank you for keeping all Your promises. Thank You for never disappointing me. Thank You for the generous way You pour out Your love upon me. Thank You for continuing to encourage me, especially when I am weak in faith. Thank You for giving me hope, when I am hopeless.
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
Even when I am faithless, the Faithful One is always faithful.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Dear Father, please teach me to put my confidence in You and in Your faithfulness…in Jesus Name. Amen.
1. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word.
