The Messenger: Dr. George B. Moody
Scripture: Romans 4:18-25
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
When God began working with Abraham, He gave him a command and a promise: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:1-3)
Abraham looked at himself and realized he was almost 100 years old and that Sarah, his wife was also advanced in age. He was asked to go to Canaan,“ the Promised Land, a land he knew nothing about. Abraham was wealthy and success-ful, owning land, cattle, soldiers, and silver and gold. He had to make a choice. He looked away from him-self and chose to believe the Word of God. He was “fully persuaded” that God would make him the father of all nations, “And being fully persuaded that, what he (God) had promised, He was able also to perform.” (Romans 4:21) Abraham never doubted God could keep His word. In fact, the more time that passed, the stronger Abraham’s faith became.
If you can become fully persuaded, you, too, will be powerful and successful. God was testing Abraham’s commitment and dedication. When we have assur-ance in God’s promises, we glorify His name. We then have complete conviction that God will do what He promises. Abraham did not waiver in unbelief about God’s promise. Instead, he was strengthened by his faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped hoped for! (Hebrews 11:1)
Are you fully persuaded that what God promised will come to pass?