Re-visiting Romans 4:1-25

Lately my faith has been flagging. I've grown impatient, weary of praying the same prayers that never seem to be answered. This week in particular I've wondered time and again: "Why am I praying? Does He even hear me? Why doesn't He answer? Have I been forgotten?" I've resorted to praying out of habit and hopelessness, hardly expecting to receive anything from Him. It should not surprise me that today's church sermon was a powerful reminder of God's character, a timely foray into Romans 4:1-25. This passage is probably my favorite in all of Scripture! I spent months memorizing it a few years back which made the message particularly poignant. It was as if God was speaking to me directly with no one else in the sanctuary.

As it is written, "I have made you (Abraham)the father of many nations"—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, "So shall your offspring be." He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust 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 4:17-21)

Our God is the God who

1) gives life to the dead
2) calls into existence the things that do not exist
3) is able to do what He's promised

I know that You can do all things,and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2)

Great is His faithfulness!