17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
1 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
Abraham was a man of faith, whose faith is a template and reference for believers to follow. Isaiah 51:1-2 gives admonition to those who follow after righteousness and seek the Lord to look to Abraham; to look to his faith life. God called Abraham and he followed God, though he didn’t know where God was taking him to, for God only told Abraham that He was taking him to a land that He would show him. It took faith, absolute trust in God, to step out without a definite destination in view. That was the beginning of Abraham’s journey with God unto fruitfulness. Faith became Abraham’s pathway into the promised land. God called him alone, he followed, and God blessed and increased him. In the process of following God, Abraham’s faith went through a process, after which he emerged a man of great faith, whose faith is worthy of followership and emulation. Romans 4:17-25 outlines Abraham’s faith walk, first, he believed God when He said to him, “So shall thy seed be.” Romans 4:17 says “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.” Abraham believed in the Lord absolutely; he cast himself on the Almighty God unreservedly.
Second, he believed in hope, against hope; he believed in supernatural hope, against natural hope. (Romans 4:18); He believed God and the hope that comes as a result of faith in God, with expectations of God’s Word being fulfilled in his life. Third, Abraham was not weak in faith, not considering his body dead, neither the deadness of Sarah’s womb (Romans 4:19). Understand that not being weak in faith doesn’t necessarily mean being strong in faith. Being not weak in faith is to not consider contrary visible evidence against one’s faith in God. Some start out in faith but become weak in faith due to consideration of their situations, instead of considering the Word. Those who observe lying vanities, forsake their own mercy (Jonah 2:8). You should consider the Word only, not sensual evidence contrary to your faith. Fourth, Abraham became strong in faith. This was the fourth step in his faith walk, he did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. He gave thanks to God because He knew God was faithful to bring His Word to pass. Thanksgiving is a show of your faith in God. While you await the physical manifestation of that which you are in faith for, give thanks. Don’t doubt the Word. Believe like Abraham, and you will see the Word become flesh right before your eyes. Understand that with God, it’s never too late.
My Solid Front (Confession):
In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I declare that I walk by faith, following the steps of Abraham’s faith unto the glorious destiny which God has provided for me! Amen!
Further Meditation:
Genesis 15:1-6; Romans 4:17-25.