Growing strong in your faith
As we give glory to God, our faith grows stronger, unbelief is banished, and through exercising our faith, God fully convinces us that He is able to keep His promises.
"No unbelief made him (Abraham) waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." - Romans 4:20-21 -
Unbelief weakens our faith as laziness weakens our bodies. Only through the pain and discomfort of exercise and slightly tearing muscle fibers do we grow stronger. So it is with faith! Our faith grows stronger as we exercise it. The more we abide in Christ and trust in His unchanging promises, the stronger our faith will be… God works with the faith He has given us.
Genesis tells the story of such faith. Abraham was nearly 100 years old and his wife, Sarah was 90 when God promised him a son by Sarah and a lineage that would number beyond counting. God said to Abraham, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” (Genesis 15:5)
This is not some allegory, it is a true story.
It is impossible for a 100 year old man and 90 year old woman to conceive a child... or is it? What is impossible for man, is possible for God (Luke 18:27)... and if God promises something will happen, it is as good as done! The only question is 'when?' The answer to that question is God's business as well. He only asks us to obediently trust Him for the results.
"Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him... And Sarah said, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age."" (Genesis 21:5,7)
I’m convinced that when Abraham gave glory to God for keeping His promise of giving him a son (Isaac) in his old age, his faith grew stronger. This strong faith would serve him well in the future when God would test his faith by challenging him to sacrifice Issac (see Genesis 22:1-19). “He considered that God was able even to raise him (Isaac) from the dead…” (Hebrews 11:19a). Glorifying God builds faith upon faith - stronger faith!
As we trust God to fulfill His promises, we give glory to Him!
As we give glory to God, our faith grows stronger and unbelief is banished. And through exercising our faith, God fully convinces us that He is able to keep His promises.
Give God the glory for all the little things and big things in your life - all the GOOD things He has given you - even the painful trials that have tested and grown your faith.
Carry God's presence (indwelling Holy Spirit) today and the days ahead.
Believe God's promises today, no matter the challenges that come your way.
Grow stronger in your faith as a you give glory to God!
Reflections: What are you believing God for today? Are you glorifying Him and seeing your faith grow stronger?