That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. Rom 4:17
The first and perhaps the most important thing that jumps out to me in this passage is that God is the one who engineered the communication and action that resulted in the making of Abraham. It matters a lot whom you allow to speak into your life; especially when you are in a low place. But I am glad that in this instance, God is and he spoke enriching and life-changing words which transformed Abraham.
The next thing that thrills me is the phrase – ‘I have made you’ which speaks of intention, selection, ordination, and function. God herein confirms his plan and purpose for Abraham. See, he had been operating way beneath his calling, class, and capacity. He was really meant to be a father of many but at the point in time, he was a father of none. What do you do when your vision is not aligned with present reality? Wherein lies your hope when a prophecy seems unfulfilled? How do you carry on when you are yet to see the word become flesh?
Believe!
Believing otherwise known as faith is a central theme that underpins the Christian walk. It is a confident assurance and complete reliance on God and his promises. The writer of Hebrews said:
But without faith, no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him. Hebrews 11:6
Have you ever wondered how you can have or grow your faith? You only need to know 2 things in order to ace the Faith module:1) God is real. 2) God is a rewarder. Say it out loud if you can. God is real! God is a rewarder! One more time – God is real! God is a rewarder!
God is real
God isn’t abstract or artificial simply because his shape or form cannot be seen.
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20
God is a rewarder
God has integrity and provides the best ever indemnity and security– be it for service, loss or injury.
Tell those who obey God, “You’re very fortunate— you will be rewarded for what you have done.” Tell those who disobey, “You’re in big trouble— what you did to others will come back to you.” Isaiah 3:10-11
What comes back to you is a function of whom you believe and how you believe. Do you believe the God that is limitless and can restore the seemingly dead (Resurrector) or is your faith in some lifeless deity like Baal? Do you believe in the one who is able to make new things out of nothing (Creator) or have you placed your confidence in an Asherah which really is a moulded idol? Take heed who you believe in.
Little wonder Abraham had a ‘creative’ miracle in his life. He believed God even against all hope – eliminating seemingly valid considerations such as their age, fertility, agility, etc. When most people would research and publish their inability, Abraham chose to focus on God’s ability. Where is your focus, friend?
As we approach the end of the year, you may have questions, concerns, problems or none of the above. Whatever your state or status, God can work in you to bring about his good pleasure if you are willing. Why don’t you release those faith-filled words into the atmosphere once more:
God is real!
God is a rewarder!
God will make me!