“13For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith…17as it is written, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” – Romans 4:13 & 17 (ESV)
Abraham had many reasons to lose faith in God. He was old, about a hundred years. His wife was barren, had not conceived and would likely not. Yet, he remained faithful.
“18In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, ‘So shall your offspring be.’” – Romans 4:18 (ESV)
With all stacked against him, Abraham still believed and faithfully carried out God’s plan for him. God gave him the promise He made to him.
Our circumstances may or may not be as daunting as those of Abraham, but God gives to us just the same. We are given from God.
We have to be careful not to expect that God will provide on the basis of our deeds, it is through our faith that he will provide that we are given eternal life. Our faith is what keeps us moving forward and doing the work of God. Not for salvation, but we do the work because we have been asked to by our Father in heaven.
When you think about eternal life, what works are you doing? Are you doing in expectation of a return on your investment? Are you feeling entitled to eternal life or living on the fact that you were given eternal life through your faith?
Trevor's Thoughts 