The Power of Faith

"What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” — Romans 4:3

There are a lot of fascinating and challenging things to learn when going through Romans. That's what this "Epic" series has been about, an exploration of the foundations of faith in the book of Romans. Today we come to that concept, faith.

In Chapter 4, Paul uses Abraham as his example of faith. The story of Abraham, like so many in the Bible, is a story of faith despite conventional wisdom. Conventional wisdom says that Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were too old to have a child. But God promised they would, and he believed. Paul uplifts this stepping out in faith.

"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.” Without weakening in his faith, he 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, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” — Romans 4:18-22

So what does that mean in our lives? I think when we read stories like this it's easy to rationally take it in without thinking about what it means. Imagine being Abraham. Imagine being told by God that, as an old man, you would become the father of nations. How would you respond?

Paul notes that, "he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God." Abraham believed, despite conventional wisdom of the time. I wonder what I would do in a similar situation. And it's not just the story of Abraham.

One of my favorite passages to think about is Hebrews, chapter 11. It's referred to as the Hall of Faith, and it's a passage that looks at the incredible faith of many in the Bible. Abraham is in there, but so are many others. When you read about their faith, it can't help but challenge your own.

Consider Noah, who was told to build a boat to be prepared for the coming flood. It must have seemed crazy at the time, but Noah believed and his family was spared. What about the Joshua, who had his people march around Jericho with unwavering faith that God would cause the walls to come tumbling down? But they marched in faith, and the walls came tumbling down.

The Bible is full of stories like that. People told the impossible will happen through God. And countless times, they step out in faith, believing it to be true. That is why it's called a "leap of faith." You have to take that leap; you have to trust. You have to have faith.