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In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.”  Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Romans 4:18-22

I was on my way to lunch and as I approached my car, I read my license plate’s frame: “No worries – God’s got it covered!”. I started laughing at myself, thinking of the irony of the statement as I searched my heart that day. I was having one of those days – the devil was on to me, attacking from every front, trying to destroy my testimony, trying to limit my vision to only what I could see at the moment.

Then I read about Abraham and his faith. He did not regard his old body and Sarah’s dead womb. He knew that “God had got it covered”. Looking at the obstacles ahead of him and his limited resources, he chose to trust God, obey and wait on Him. Because of his faith, he has become, as God promised, the “father of many nations.” (Genesis 17:5)

“He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them.” Romans 4:11

This passage of Scripture stirs my heart up! That is because Abraham’s life was marked by mistakes, sins, and failures – just like mine. But because of his faith – and his faith alone – he inherited the promise and was found righteous before God.

Abraham inherited the promise, not because of his good works, his good days or bad days, but because of his solemn trust in God and His Word. That completely changes the paradigm of righteousness – my righteousness is not based on how I behave, on the bad days I have, but based on the faith that I placed in Jesus as my Savior and Lord, wherefore I inherited God’s righteousness and His promises.

[bctt tweet=”My righteousness is not based on how I behave, on the bad days I have, but based on the faith that I placed in Jesus as my Savior and Lord, wherefore I inherited God’s righteousness and His promises.” username=”PatHolbrook”]

And so, on days when my not-so-perfect heart attitude causes me to think I may lose God’s promise, Abraham reminds me that nothing can ever move God’s love and acceptance. It is on those days that I teach my heart to cling to the promise Abraham received and that I inherited in Christ Jesus: the promise that, no matter what happens, God’s plans and promises for my life will be fulfilled.

All I have to do is to trust and obey. One step at a time… Through the rough patches… When people and circumstances threaten to bring the worse in me…  It is in those situations that I must remind my heart that the challenges presented are used to conform me to His image, while He works on the rough edges, teaches me to love unconditionally, forgive always.

On days like that, I remember that worry and fear are simply a waste of time because God’s promises do not change. Sometimes I may not see where He is leading, but I know His plan is perfect and will unfold in His perfect time. Abraham saw his body get older, Sarah’s menopause come, and kept on believing. He kept his eyes on his (unseen) promise.

[bctt tweet=”Sometimes I may not see where He is leading, but I know His plan is perfect and will unfold in His perfect time” username=”PatHolbrook”]

 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1

What is the prize that lies before you? Your Promise Land? Something you have been eagerly waiting for?

Do not lose heart, my friend. The One who promises must deliver! Just tell your heart to believe.

As for me, I went back to my car that day and looked at my license plate with less cynical eyes. For I was reminded that when life is full of uncertainties and circumstances deny a glimpse into the Promise, I can trust that Calvary is still the sacred ground where fears and doubts melt away, and where all God’s promises to me were already fulfilled.

Thank you, Jesus, for purchasing, not only my forgiveness, but also the right to confidently believe!

[bctt tweet=”When life is full of uncertainties and circumstances deny a glimpse into the Promise, trust that Calvary is still the sacred ground where fears and doubts melt away, and all God’s promises to us were fulfilled. ” username=”PatHolbrook”]