in hope believing

It’s hard to go on when you can’t see how things will possibly turn out well. But that’s as good a definition of faith as any.

Paul uses that definition when he discusses Abraham in Romans 4:18: “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.’”

With no discernible reason at all Abraham chose to believe God’s promise. In his case, God promised children. Abraham looked down at his aging body and watched his beautiful wife fade as well, until it wasn't naturally possible for the promised son to come. Yet, in his own perfect time, God gave them Isaac.

There are a lot of discouraging, even daunting things in life. The reality of violent people who wouldn’t blink at harming or even killing me is one. A country spiraling into post-Christianity is another. The true frailty of physical and mental health, my inability to successfully control my sinful human nature, the fact that even my best relationships are hard work – all of these things can sap my hope.

“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed.” That’s why he’s a hero of the faith, and an excellent role model. God is on his throne and nothing in this world is out of his control. And he has promised to work all things together for good for those who love him. What more assurance do I need?