STRENGTH IN THE HEART (7)

“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was STRENGTHENED in FAITH, giving glory to God” – Romans 4:20 

A vital dimension of STRENGTH in the HEART is strengthening in Faith: “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was STRENGTHENED in FAITH, giving glory to God” (Rom.4:20). We’ve consistently affirmed that “this is the VICTORY that has overcome the world – our FAITH” (1Jh.5:4b). Therefore, to be strengthened in Faith provides access to Victory in the Heart and in all facets of life. Abraham is a classic example of what it means to be strengthened in the heart by being strengthened in faith.

Abraham’s situation looked bleak. God promised him multitudes of offspring, but he was well past child-producing: “who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb” (vv.18-19). This was double jeopardy. Not only was Abraham almost 100 years old, but Sarah his wife was very old, and she had never been able to conceive her whole life. How were they going to have children? If Abraham had based his hope on his circumstances he would have given up. But in hope he believed against hope – God’s promise gave him hope in his hopeless situation. He placed his hope in God’s promise, not his circumstances.

Concerning salvation or sanctification, we may feel hopelessly unrighteous. We may feel like God could never forgive us for the sins we have committed, that He would never accept us. But we must not look at ourselves, just like Abraham didn’t look at himself. Rather, we must believe God’s promise of Grace. He counts us righteous in Christ! Some of our family members or friends may seem hopelessly lost; but as we share the gospel with them and pray for them, the Mercy of God will locate them and His Grace will save them! Our finances may be out of control. We may appear to lack direction for our lives. Our marriage might feel frustrating.  Let’s look to Jesus Christ; not to our self. Let’s look to the promise of the gospel – everyone who calls on His Name shall be saved (Rom.10:9). Let’s look to His promises to draw near to those who draw near to Him, and to hear and answer our prayers.

Abraham strengthened his faith as he gave Glory to God: “was strengthened in faith, GIVING GLORY to GOD, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform” (vv.20b-21). Our faith can be strengthened the same way: as we begin to give glory to God – thanking and praising Him for His promises; for saving and declaring us righteous in Him. He has promised: to be with us when we pass through the waters and through fire (Isa.43:2); to never leave us nor forsake us (Heb.13:5); that nothing will be able to separate us from His love (Rom.8:38-39); that we can do all things He requires of us through Christ who loves us (Phil.4:13); and to give us everything we truly need to glorify Him (Phil.4:19). We must praise Him for these things!

When we are distracted and look to our circumstances, it may not look like God is being faithful. It may not feel like God is with us in the waters. It may feel like He has abandoned or forsaken us. We may not sense the warmth of His love. But we must not waver concerning the Promise of God! Rather, we grow strong in our faith as we GIVE GLORY TO GOD, being fully convinced that God is able to perform what He had promised. It’s all a matter of where the heart is focused: on God’s Promise or on our circumstance? Beloved, what are you going to believe today – God’s word or your condition; His promises or your feelings? We grow stronger in our faith as we look to God’s promises and glorify Him.