Believe Again: Restoring Faith When Hope Feels Lostഉദാഹരണം

One of my favorite verses is in Romans chapter 4. This chapter encourages us by recalling the story of Abraham and the role his faith played in it (Genesis 15). The particular verse I love is verse 18, which says, “Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations…” Think about that for a second, “contrary to hope, in hope believed”.

Every time I read or meditate on that scripture, it reminds me of the oxymoronic nature of faith. How can Abraham, in a moment (And/or seasons) contrary to hope, still believe and have hope? I believe this was necessary to help Abraham and those who would learn from His example believe again. Oftentimes, we have to have faith no matter what the circumstance or situation says. When you believe that God is provider despite the financial situation and trust that God is a healer despite the medical report, this is hope contrary to hope.

Verse 18 continues with the phrase “according to what was spoken.” As believers, when life is contrary to the hope we once had, we have to remember what was spoken. This is why I encouraged you yesterday to stand on the word of God. God’s written word anchors us to remain firm in our faith.

Abraham had God's word to stand on: He would be the father of many nations. At his and his wife’s age, that seemed impossible. But in the words of my big sister Tia Cooper, “If God said it, that settles it”.

The next step in this is very important. Verse 20 says Abraham “did not waver through unbelief but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.” I know it can be hard to have hope in the face of trials and circumstances contrary to our beliefs. But through it all, give God glory! Because of this posture, Abraham was fully convinced that God could perform what He promised (Verse 21).

All of this was to encourage you to believe again. You must remember, even contrary to hope, the word spoken by God and that Christ Jesus is our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). I pray that, like Abraham, you can be fully convinced that no matter what your situation looks like right now, God can turn it around.

Prayer: Lord, help me adopt a posture like Abraham's so that, even contrary to hope, I can have hope in You. Thank You for reminding me to rejoice in my trials because You are working all things for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.