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I’m ready for a giant leap of faith. How about you?
Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith (Romans 4:3, NLT).
The greatest faith decision in God’s history of the world was made by Abraham. This step required faith. Romans 4 says that God counted Abraham as righteous when he obeyed.
God also promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. How old was Abraham when this promise was fulfilled? As Scripture reads …
Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though he was about 100 years of age (Romans 4:19).
The greatest step of faith in history was at the age of 100! And what were the requisites for Abraham’s faith?
He figured his body was as good as dead (Romans 4:19).
One hundred years old and a body as good as dead.
At any age, do we have a legitimate excuse for not taking giant steps of faith?
I’ve considered Abraham to be a superhero of the faith, and his actions beyond my capability. But Romans teaches …
The promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it … if we have faith like Abraham’s (Romans 4:16).
We are to have Abraham’s faith.
Romans 4 describes giant leaps of faith. In this chapter, Paul dissects the hindrances to obedience and how Abraham’s faith met the challenge.
I want to learn this lesson. I believe that all the intrepid readers of Interruptions want to have faith like Abraham too.
What was the one hindrance that could defeat Abraham’s faith?
People are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith (Romans 4:5).
Dependence upon works is the one blockage that will keep us from imitating the faith of Abraham.
Yes, works in Romans 4 imply the Law of the Old Testament, but something else, too – an over-dependence upon our ability. Faith requires a step beyond rules, regulations, plans, and efforts to a promise that we can’t see and doesn’t fit neatly into preconceived ideas of how God works.
Faith requires a humility to God’s ways before we can take …
A giant leap of faith!
Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises (Romans 4:20-21).
Abraham is our example of faith. All of us will be asked to take giant leaps of faith. It’s the heritage we receive from our father Abraham.
Our promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it … if we have faith like Abraham’s (Romans 4:16).
What is God’s specific promise to you? His will for your life?
Let’s take Giant Leaps of Faith.