Romans 4 - 02.09.23
SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 4:17 AMP
“(as it is written in Scripture, “I have made you [Abraham] a father of many nations”) in the sight of HIM in whom he believed, that is, God who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.”
OBSERVATION:
What an extraordinary heartfelt letter Paul writes to the Roman believers. This letter would and (still today) have me on my knees before God. Paul commends the Roman believers for their faith as he shares about the Gospel of Grace—wholly dependent on our faith IN Jesus Completed work on the Cross. Then, Paul goes on to use Abraham as an example of someone whose Faith IN God was lived out—even in seemingly “impossible circumstances”.
Abraham 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. Yet he did NOT waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,” (Romans 4:19b-20 NIV)
UNDERSTANDING:
It is Impossible to Please God without Faith (Heb:11:6)
So, a man comes up to Jesus with a desperate plea and kneeling before HIM asks Jesus to heal his son who is mercilessly plagued with a demon. He explains to Jesus that he brought his son to “Your disciples but they were unable to heal him” (Matthew 17:16). Jesus reproaches his disciples for their lack of faith-turns to the boy-rebukes the demon—and immediately the boy is made well (Matthew 17:17-18).
The disciples were deeply troubled and puzzled and they came to Jesus privately to ask why they were unable to cast out the demon.
Jesus responds,
“I tell you the truth, if you had [Living] faith [Trust and Confidence IN God] even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. NOTHING would be impossible.” (Matthew 17:20 NLT/AMP)
This is such a Life Lesson Today. This incident falls right on the heels of Peter, James, and John witnessing Jesus Glorious Transfiguration on the Mountain Top—AND Hearing the Voice of God! Then, here we are just a short time later these same three along with the other disciples are being chastised for their lack of faith! (There is an additional and Important word from Jesus about Prayer and Fasting—but my journal post would be way too lengthy, so I’m staying on the topic of Faith today)
LIFE APPLICATION:
Two Takeaways:
—Jesus says the SIZE of our Faith is NOT the issue—
Our Faith can be infinitesimal—BECAUSE—it is Not really about the measure of our Faith—but—rather—having a greater Understanding that our Faith [whatever size] is placed IN the ONE and Only GOD—WHO—is ABLE to Do immeasurably MORE than we could ever dare to ask, hope, or imagine.
May we begin to grab hold of WHO we serve—in a deeper and deeper Love communion with His Heart—as His servants.
“Now to HIM who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to HIS power that is at work within us, to HIM be the glory..” (Eph:3;20)
—Our Faith Grows as it is Tested—
This is a fact though it is not a fun reality. We are all somewhere on that Spiritual measuring line—looking to move further to the right in our spiritual maturity—which really means further UP closer to God. Our Prayer time is a Lifeline—the air we breathe [“It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline” Heb:6:19 MES)]. Our daily time in HIS Word is our Nourishment [Jesus said, I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35)]. Community develops us and keeps us strong [“a three strand cord is not easily broken” (Ecc: 4:12) “Iron sharpens iron” (Pro:27:17)].
Without these things we can become weak and vulnerable—with these things we are Fully prepared for whatever comes our way. Though faith may be tested we will come out victorious.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25 NIV)
Lord Jesus,
We have a life-long process of building godly character. This is “all” we bring with us into heaven. I believe you would be chastising me for my faith along with the disciples. Forgive me, Lord. So many times YOU have shown up in unbelievable ways to demonstrate Your Grace and Power. Enough for a lifetime. Give me strength and courage to move past the boundaries I’m currently experiencing because I desire so much more for myself and others. Keep me in the deep deep depth of your heart. Teach me to walk on water. Speak to me and through me to be an encouragement to those You have placed in my circle. Test and stretch me. I surrender all to You. For Your glory, Lord. amen
Tina L Kudelka