SCRIPTURE
"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.'" (Romans 4:18)
OBSERVATION
God promised Abraham a son. However, at almost 100 years old, with Sarah just a little younger, it didn't look like it was going to happen. However, in Romans 4, Paul reminds us that Abraham did not look at his condition but at the God who made the promise. "He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." (vv. 20-21).
In spite of his circumstances he still believed God. That is the essence of hope. "Against all hope...in hope." Hope is what gave Abraham the ability to remain strong and not waver. Hope is what enabled him to give glory to God, even though at a ripe old age he still did not have an heir. Hope is the spotlight that sees through the fog of our circumstances to the God of the promise.
APPLICATION
Abraham's story is not just for him but for me too. In spite of whatever is happening I can have hope. Not that I need to like what is happening but I can still give glory to God who will fulfill every promise. Unlike Abraham, I can know Jesus, the ultimate promise of God. Whatever condition I find myself in, physical, financial, friends or family, I have something to hold on to...that is hope. Against all hope (even though it looks bleak) in hope (walking with the living Christ) I can face the world with confidence and joy, giving glory to God.
PRAYER
Lord, you are the only sure thing in this life. Because you fulfill your promises to me I can have hope, no matter what is going on around me.
