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Romans 4:19-21 - Facing Facts with Faith.

Romans 4:19-21 (NKJV) And not being weak in 
faith, he did not consider his own body, already 
dead (since he was about a hundred years old), 
and the deadness of Sarah's womb. 20 He did not 
waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but 
was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 
21 and being fully convinced that what He had 
promised He was also able to perform.  

INTRODUCTION

We need look for no outward evidence of the 
blessing. The gift is in the promise, and we may go 
about our work assured that what God has promised 
He is able to perform, and that the gift, which 
we already possess, will be realized when we 
need it most. ED258  

Abraham never doubted that God would fulfill 
his promise. Abraham's life was marked by 
mistakes, sins, and failures as well as by wisdom and 
goodness, but he consistently trusted God. His faith 
was strengthened by the obstacles he faced, and 
his life was an example of faith in action. If 
he had looked only at his own resources for 
subduing Canaan and founding a nation, he would have 
given up in despair. But Abraham looked to God, 
obeyed him, and waited for God to fulfill his 
word When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, 
an exchange takes place. We give him our sins, 
and he forgives us and makes us right with God 
(2 Cor. 5:21). There is nothing we can do to 
earn this. Only through Christ can we be made 
right in God's eyes. What an incredible bargain 
this is for us! But sadly, many still choose to 
pass up this gift to continue "enjoying" their 
sin. [Life Application SB] 

COMMENTARY

   Sometimes people mistakenly believe that 
faith means ignoring the facts. But nothing could 
be further from the truth! 
   Abraham understood this: Abraham was 
almost a hundred years old, much past the age for 
having children, and Sarah could not have children. 
Abraham thought about all this, but his faith in God 
did not become weak (Romans 4:19 CEV). 
   Abraham was 99 years old; his wife was 
89. It was medically impossible for them to have 
children. He didnt deny the facts. He faced them 
with faith.  
   Faith doesnt ignore reality. It 
doesnt pretend there isnt a problem. Faith is 
facing the facts in your life without being 
discouraged by them. 
   Some people teach a Christianity that 
says believers should deny their problems and 
just smile their way through life. But thats 
not the way of Jesus.  
   Faith will never ask you to deny reality. 
Its not living in denial. Its not clinging to 
the past. Faith is not stubborn foolishness.  
   You may need to do some legitimate 
grieving for a diagnosis you havent wanted to 
admit or a dream for your life that wont ever 
happen.  
   But you dont need to have a pity 
party. You need to tell God, It didnt turn 
out like I wanted, but I know you have a better 
plan for my life. 
   Thats what faith looks like. God 
isnt through with your life. God has good things 
in store for you! You can face the facts and 
choose not to be discouraged by them. 
   When she was young, author and Holocaust 
survivor Corrie Ten Boom was engaged to be married. 
All of a sudden, the man broke up with her and 
married a friend. She was devastated. She never did 
marry and went through life as a single woman.  
   Corrie Ten Boom didnt pull herself 
into a shell. She redirected her love. She became 
one of the most loving Christian leaders of the 
20th century, influencing millions of people. 
   She only did that because she refused to 
deny the facts. She trusted God and loved others 
through her faith. 
   You can do the same. [Daily Devotional by 
Rick Warren: https://pastorrick.com/devotional/] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

   Most of us approach God for salvation on 
the basis of faith. And we believe his specific 
guidance and promises - until they seem unrealistic, 
unlikely or even impossible. We forget that Biblical 
faith isn't about trusting God for the expected, 
normal and doable; faith is about believing in what 
is unseen and beyond our abilities to 
accomplish.  
   That's why what might seem like a 
contradiction to God's promises doesn't necessarily mean 
we misunderstood the promise. It may mean that 
we, like Abraham, are to believe "against all 
hope" (Romans 4:18). There are always obstacles to 
Biblical faith. That's normal. We need to continue to 
believe what God has said, just as Abraham did. [NIV 
Once A Day Bible re Rom. 4:18-21] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY 

Hebrews 11:1 - FAITH.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220829-0818.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/