Faith has been described and defined and explained in varied ways, using all kinds of theological terms. But to put faith in a plain and simple way, we could put it this way:
Faith is the confidence that God will do exactly what He has promised. If He has said it, it will happen.
Abraham is an interesting guy. He receives the promise from God that he will be the father of many nations. Years pass. Years pass. YEARS PASS.
When Abraham is nearly 100 years old and Sarah is 90 years old, she has a son. But Abraham hung on to the promise that God had given him all that time. As a matter of fact, we are told this:
“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” (Romans 4: 20-21, NLT).
Right there in Scripture, we have been given the best definition and example of faith. Faith …
- Never wavers.
- Believes God’s promises.
- Grows stronger.
- Brings glory to God.
- Is fully convinced that God is able.
Abraham never denied the reality of his situation. He knew that his body was as good as dead. So was Sarah’s womb. One look in the mirror would have confirmed this for him. But he did not look at the obvious. He held onto what God had promised him.
In his book, A Hope Deferred, J. Stephen Yuille writes:
God is most glorified when we trust him as a gracious Father to fulfill his promises despite all circumstantial evidence to the contrary. (page 102).
No matter what our eyes may see. No matter what we hear. No matter what we feel. No matter how long it takes. We hold onto His promises….
When we are tired and feel like we cannot go on…..“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NLT)
When our needs are bigger than we can manage….. “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NLT)
When we are feeling all alone…. “I will never fail you, I will never abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5, NLT).
When we are coming to the end of our strength and ability…. “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1, NLT).
When we need help, we have the Holy Spirit….”And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16, NIV).
When we need peace…..”I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.” (John 14:27, NLT).
What about those days we need some joy…. “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:11, NLT)
Today I was reminded of the preciousness of His Promises. His Word that will stand. I soon found myself humming an old familiar tune….
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.
May we remember that He Who said it is the very One Who will keep His promises.
It. Will. Happen.
We hold onto His Promises.
Today I am joining…. Wed. Prayer Girls and Three Word Wed. and Tell His Story and Wordless Wed. and Wordless Wed. and A Little R & R and Doing You Well and Winsome Wed. and Wisdom Wed. and Wed. In The Word and Wedded Wed. .
Beautiful post. I just came across your blog from A Little R&R and I like you already!
Your post really did speak to me. I’ve been believing God for a long time for a specific promise and sometimes it’s been hard recently. I’ve been thinking: “Is the waiting time God’s hint that He wants me to go another direction?†I am not quite sure yet but I think not. I think He just wants me to wait. And that is tough some days. But I am still hanging in there! Yay!
Have a great day!
I am grateful to Him that the post spoke to you. May He give you the strength to hold on. He will let you know if the time is such that you are go in another direction. Thank you so much for stopping here & sharing with me.
Blessings,
Joanne
Beautiful Joanne! I’m holding on to His promises!! I hope you are doing well. You’ve been on my mind. I’m always blessed by your words. {Hugs} to you friend.
Beth – Thank you for thinking of me! That means a lot to me. I had prayed for your time away with your husband. So glad to see you back 🙂 May we be faithful to hold onto His promises always!
Yes and Yes! When we trust in Whom who cannot fail, we won’t fall at all! He is God! Thanks for the encouraging truth, Joanne!
Helen – Reading your comment just now brought 2 Cor. 1:20 to mind, “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!”.” May we remember that. It is a resounding yes & He put the exclamation point there 🙂
I have been singing that song a lot Joanne! Standing on the Promises! And my Mom has one of those loaves with verses in it and me and my sister played with it until the edges were worn and ragged. But today, it is a priceless treasure, worn, ragged and all! God’s Word is a priceless treasure isn’t it?
Gypsy – I was so excited to read that you had one of those promise breads too!!! You have been such a special find, my friend!
I remember singing that song in church – Standing on the promises of God. That we would make those promise our firm, rock-solid foundation!
I used to have a little promise box – just like the one in the picture. We must hold steadfast to the promises of God – even when our present situation looks contrary.
Amazing how many of those little promise boxes are floating about! Thank you for stopping here!
What a great reminder to stand firm, holding on to God’s promises. Thanks for joining the party at Tales of a Pee Dee Mama.
Joanne, I love this post so much. The story of Abraham’s faith is one of my favorite sections in Scripture! And yes, our faith goes beyond the changing tide of our emotions. So thankful that you linked up with me over at Hive Resources! Blessings!
Oh, forgot to mention, I’m sharing your post tomorrow on my FB page! Blessings!
Melissa – I was so glad to have found your site & linkup. Great site! I am looking forward to coming back to your site in the days ahead 🙂 And thank you for wanting to share my post! Blessings!
Thank you for sharing these reminders! This is such a beautiful Truth-filled post with some of my favorite scriptures, especially the ones from John. I’m singing right along with you! Love, Rachael @ Inking the Heart
Rachael,
There were so many of us that could remember that simple chorus. I am imagining the beautiful song our God heard yesterday 🙂 So glad you visited!
Oh, I love that little photo of the bread holding scripture- brings back childhood memories. My mom had that same thing sitting on the kitchen counter. So thankful for a mom who taught me to cling to His promises- and for your reminder today.
It is amazing how many of us can remember those little bread boxes! Those promises rooted deep in our hearts for sure. Thank you for stopping & sharing!
This is such an encouraging post, Joanne! I love the way you’ve woven specific scriptures into the challenges we all face. I’m facing one that I don’t want to fully share about yet, but this has brought me comfort and encouraged me in my faith that with God all things are possible! Thanks so much, sweet friend!