Hope Against Hope
“As it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ 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 4:18 – 19
Have you ever gone through something so difficult that it seemed as if God was no where around? Have you ever prayed and felt like your prayers hit the ceiling and never got to heaven? Have you ever had to suffer through something even though you hadn’t done anything wrong? These types of situations can make you think that all hope is gone, but it’s not. As long as God is on the throne there is still hope.
God made a promise to Abraham when he was 95 years old. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. God’s promised seemed impossible because Abraham had no children when God made the promise, his wife Sarah was 90 and she had never been able to conceive a child.
In spite of all the facts, Abraham decided to believe the truth. The word of God is true. The promises of God are true. There is never anything more truthful than the promises of God, which are the word of God.
Are there some promises of God that you need to hope in? Here are some promises you can rest on:
- For a wayward child – “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:39
- Contending with your enemies – “For the Lord your God is one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4
- Dealing with fear – “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
- Help in times of trouble – “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9
The promises of God go on and on. Before you give up hope and throw in the towel, get into the word of God and find out what God promises you. He is a faithful God. If he kept his promise to Abraham he’ll keep his promise to you.
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” I Peter 1:13
