Unlimited: As Good as Dead
Jul 29, 2022 958
Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead (Romans 4:19).
If we are to walk in the steps of Abraham, then what does this mean?
The first important feature of Abraham’s faith is that his faith didn’t weaken. That’s actually difficult for us to comprehend when we recall the facts about Abraham’s life.
At various times he tried to fulfil God’s promise through his own means, by trying to name his servant steward Eliezer as his heir, and then by having a son with Sarah’s servant Hagar. You may also remember how many times he distrusted in God by lying about his wife to protect his own life.
Even if our bodies are as good as dead, God is the one who gives life to the dead!
Abraham’s faith was not a perfect faith, yet it was an enduring faith. It was a faith that persisted through the harsh facts of earthly reality. Abraham faced the fact of how old he and Sarah were, and that according to the natural order of things it was no longer possible for them to bear children. They were “as good as dead..”
Remember Jesus’ words:
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Matthew 24:13).
Through it all Abraham somehow still held on to the promise, because just as Paul has reminded us, even if our bodies are as good as dead, God is the one who gives life to the dead! (v.17).
Spiritual Application
I’m sure that you know that your own faith is very imperfect. But are you enduring? Are you holding on? What can you do to make sure you are? That’s the important question.
Kelly Smith
Jul 29, 2022
Only God can summon the future.