"God talked with [Abraham], saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee" (Gen. 17:3-5).
Romans 4:16 calls Abraham our father of faith. God made a covenant with Abraham, saying, "I have made you the father of many nations." He didn't say, "I will make you." He said, "I have made you."
You see, God always calls those things that be not as though they were (Rom. 4:17). He talks about what doesn't exist as though it already existed. That's why it's all right for us to do the same. We're not lying; we're just following God's example.
God told Abraham, "I have made you the father of many nations." Remember, He was talking to a 100-year-old man and his 90-year-old wife! Abraham and Sarah were past the age for having children. Medically speaking, it was impossible.
Abraham could have said, "Now, God, I appreciate Your enthusiasm, but we're a little old to have a baby. Why don't You talk to the nice young couple down the street who already have four kids?"
But Abraham didn't act that way. He had a deep awe and respect for Almighty God. In the natural, the situation looked hopeless, but Abraham believed what God said. That's the key.
Abraham had to believe what God said before he could become what God said. "[Abraham] against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken…" (v. 18).
When it comes to your faith walk, you're no different than the father of faith. You have to believe what God has said about you before you can become what God has called you.
Confession:
God says that by Jesus' stripes I am healed, and I believe
His Word. So when symptoms come against me, I call
those things that be not as though they were: I am healed!
Source: Prescription for a Miracle by Mark Brazee
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Romans 4:16 calls Abraham our father of faith. God made a covenant with Abraham, saying, "I have made you the father of many nations." He didn't say, "I will make you." He said, "I have made you."
You see, God always calls those things that be not as though they were (Rom. 4:17). He talks about what doesn't exist as though it already existed. That's why it's all right for us to do the same. We're not lying; we're just following God's example.
God told Abraham, "I have made you the father of many nations." Remember, He was talking to a 100-year-old man and his 90-year-old wife! Abraham and Sarah were past the age for having children. Medically speaking, it was impossible.
Abraham could have said, "Now, God, I appreciate Your enthusiasm, but we're a little old to have a baby. Why don't You talk to the nice young couple down the street who already have four kids?"
But Abraham didn't act that way. He had a deep awe and respect for Almighty God. In the natural, the situation looked hopeless, but Abraham believed what God said. That's the key.
Abraham had to believe what God said before he could become what God said. "[Abraham] against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken…" (v. 18).
When it comes to your faith walk, you're no different than the father of faith. You have to believe what God has said about you before you can become what God has called you.
God says that by Jesus' stripes I am healed, and I believe
His Word. So when symptoms come against me, I call
those things that be not as though they were: I am healed!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers