Monday, March 1, 2010

Simply Staggering

Exceeding Abundantly Above All That We Ask or Think

"Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." Romans 4:16-21



There are many gems that can be mined from this text. However, one thing that stood out to me today was what some might call insignificant: Abraham staggered not at the promise.

Stagger: To walk, move, or stand unsteadily; to waver or begin to doubt.

Not only does such a statement reflect the depth of Abraham's faith, but it also says something about the promises of God. They are staggering!

Staggering: Overwhelming, amazing, astonishing, mind-blowing.

What God had promised Abraham was enough to cause any person to reel, but Abraham staggered not. He did not consider his own old, dried up body nor the fact that his wife was past child-bearing age. Even though His circumstances boldly proclaimed that what God said was impossible (to the point that even Sarah laughed at the promise)...he believed.

"For with God nothing shall be
impossible." Luke 1:37

Some of you are facing what look to be impossible situations. Your circumstances are screaming that this is the end. There is simply no way out. All around you looks dry, even dead. But we serve a God who is able to bring life from the dead. We serve a God whose promises are staggering!

"For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him." Isaiah 64:4

Be encouraged today! God has plans for you; plans for good and not evil. Only wait upon Him.

Do not be overcome by your circumstances, but hold onto that which is true. Keep your eyes on Jesus, for your redemption draws nigh.

3 comments:

  1. I just read this verse last night before going to bed. I just wanna say how good GOD is. This is only confirmation that the promises and miracles that HE has for my family are going to happen. Therefore, I will not stagger. I will have faith as Abraham did. Thank you for this wonderful Word.

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  2. Sometimes as humans, it is easy for us to get caught up and lead astray by the cares and problems of this world. But like the Bible says...

    Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

    Proverbs 3: 5-6 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he shall direct your paths.

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  3. It is important to note that God's promises to Abraham (and ultimately to US) always relate to HIS plans for the promisee. God is primarily concerned with comforming you to His Image; NOT making sure you drive the latest hot cars or wear designer clothes, NOT giving you the house or spouse of your dreams, nor is HE at all concerned with any of the STUFF of this world (1 John 2:15ff.)). He gives you the desires of your heart once they become congruent with HIS desires. Or to paraphrase Jesus "Not MY will be done but THINE."

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