“Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.”-(Romans 4:19-21)

It says that Abraham contemplated his body as good as dead and that of Sarah’s- as she was past age and ability to bear a child. Yet God had promised him a son! He scrutinized his situation, thought with clarity, gave his mind to study and rightly concluded the human impossibility. There was no human grounds for hope- none!

He faced his obstacles. Stared them down but didn’t end with them. He acknowledged them, but didn’t end with them, but ended with God. The evidence? He grew! Only living things grow, and in this case it was his faith, trust, in God who had promised and whom he believed had the power to fulfil His promises no matter the human hopelessness, obstacles. For God always delivers on His promises! He grew in his faith in God! And God is the one who enables us to grow in faith in Him, through His Word by His Spirit! “when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. “-{1 Thessalonians 2:13- Also read 2 Thessalonians 2:13 regarding the work of the Holy Spirit}

Often our obstacles we study, consider and unfortunately, we end with them. They fill our mind, depressingly so at times. Consuming us, overwhelming us, anxiously leading us to despair as we look to – ourselves!

We exclude God.

We exclude His promises. Perhaps we think that they are true but only for others, not for us. And we slight His character and Word as untrustworthy. We think that it May work for others but not for us. But Abraham despite what his circumstances looked like, despite the overwhelming facts that were humanly stacked against him did not end with his inability, obstacles. He faced them and rightly concluded his own inability and this is we can learn from him as we see where he ends his thinking and trust…, he ends with GOD! ! How do we know? His faith grew because his faith was not in himself, his ability “But God…”. His promise to give him a son. His power to bring the humanly impossible into being. Scripture shows us various times, events, obstacles, from the Red Sea, to the feeding of the thousands – the human impossibility, to God stepping into the circumstances and doing what He does- fulfill All His promises by His power! As He did for Abraham. He still does today – Fulfills His – all His promises!

  • Abrahams faith grew
  • Abraham glorified God!
  • Abraham was persuaded that what God promised God would do! His focus and faith were on God!

The obstacles you see today maybe but opportunities for you to trust Him- His Promises- His Power- and may you grow in faith, dependance upon Him, and your giving Glory to God!

The very thing you are facing can be the very thing God uses to grow your faith and glorify Him!

These are good verses to read, reread, meditate upon, memorize, pray for yourself, others… that the obstacles would end up in spiritual growth in their faith, taking God at His Word, glorifying God.

Your taking God at His Word and trusting Him despite the obstacles, is a way for you to Glorify God! Every time you trust what He says in His Word, your faith grows and you are glorifying Him!

  • And faith is developed through His Word- “So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ.”-{Romans 10:17 Amplified Bible}. Hebrews 11 is a chapter on men and women who exercised faith and received God’s approval for doing so. Perhaps take time to read and look for the phrase “By faith…” It is what Pleases God-{Read Heb 11:6}.
  • Also note 2 Peter 1:5-9 Faith is growing and results in changing our character. Faith in God is vibrant.
  • The Holy Spirit will empower us, Its not a perfect performance but its a new affection, direction, and a developing trust in God, and His promises! Its a process! -{Philippians 2:13 nlt}

The obstacle is an opportunity for you to grow in your faith and glorify God!

“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God, being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.” -(Romans 5:20-21-Amplified Bible})

God bless

Aidan.