“In hope he believed against hope…”
Romans 4:18
No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God”
Romans 4:20
Romans 4 is lifting up Abraham as an example of hope that comes from faith in the promises of God and the power of God.
The Apostle is saying that even when fulfillment of those promises did not seem like it could be a possibility, Abraham still had hope because he had faith in God. His faith in God was greater than the discouragement he felt because of the way events appeared around him.
Events made it seem like the things God would likely need to fulfill his promises were not present (or at least Abraham could not see them) and so therefore he couldn’t see a path for God to be faithful to God’s promises. But God makes a way where we cannot see a way. God is not dependent on what we see or circumstances.
The Apostle points out the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the great example of this.
Abraham is an example of someone who, though discouraged by circumstances, trusted God.
Always trust God. Do not let your hope be based on circumstances. Your hope is based on the power of God.
Prayer: “Almighty God, though I may be discouraged by circumstances, may I always trust You. Coach me to trust you. As Abraham did. As Jesus did.”
-Lenten Reflection by John DeBevoise
