284 of 365 - Believing God

No unbelief made him 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
 
What does it mean to believe God in the way of Abraham that was counted to him as righteousness? After all, James tells us that even the Devil believes God. And in the Gospels, we saw the demons recognizing Jesus and fully believing He could destroy them. But this isn’t the belief of Abraham or the belief that will save us. True belief is faith, trust, submission, obedience, reliance on God above all. Abraham didn’t always know why or how what God said would happen, but he believed that it would happen just as God said. He believed God’s promises and was fully convinced God was willing and able to keep them. Despite a long time-lapse from the promise, despite his circumstances that seemed impossible, despite any clear direction or plan…Abraham believed. In fact, his faith grew stronger.

This. This, Paul is saying is what we should model. This is the legacy. This is the torch we should carry.

Faith is both backward and forward-looking. It is believing that Jesus died on the cross, took our sins upon Himself, and gave us His righteousness. But it is also believing God’s promises for the present and future. Faith makes Jesus our Lord and Savior, rather than ourselves.

Most of us will say we believe God. We trust God. We submit to God. Do we have the faith of Abraham? Jesus tells us we can’t serve two masters. We will only truly put our faith and belief in ONE when push comes to shove. Fighting unbelief is a constant battle. Our sinful nature defaults to ourselves in the role of lord and savior. This is why we need to stay in God’s Word and soak in His truth. Jen Wilkin says, “The heart cannot love what the mind does not know.” We have to know Him to believe Him. We have to know His promises to believe His promises.

Questions: Do you truly believe? Is your faith and trust truly in God alone?