God has made promises to all of us in His word. Do I believe in them? Trust in them? Or do I waver in unbelief?
“Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” Romans 4:20-21
The fact is, if I am wavering in my trust in God to come through for me—I’m not believing in His promises! If I confess with my mouth that He is Lord—that He is the same yesterday, today and forever—and yet walk anxiously, I am not believing my own confession.
Believing when it’s hard to believe is how faith is strengthened. It isn’t strengthened through worry and complaint. My faith is strengthened by trusting in His goodness regardless of what my frail humanity makes of what is going on around me.
Hope! Your hope is in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)
Rejoice! In the days to come. (Proverbs 31:25b)
Believe! On the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:31)
Rest! In His care because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Relax! Knowing He works all things together for good. (Romans 8:28)
Trust! With all your heart, soul, mind and strength. (Mark 12:30—I know the word used here is “love” but we show our love for and in God by obeying Him—and that involves trust!)
I see through selfish eyes that want comfort. He works through divine eyes that demand holiness. And when I smile, relax and rest believing His best is being realized—it’s a win-win situation for us both!
“Giving glory to God” is being thankful always (1Thes. 5:18) ... regardless! Glorifying God and believing in His promises really ticks off satan because—again—this strengthens our faith and keeps us from wavering. Satan loves wavering Christians!
If I say that God is able to do far more than I could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20) am I trusting in Him to actually do it...for me? Am I “fully convinced” that He will?
Just so’s ya know...I’m not doing all of this perfectly! J But I am doing it all a lot better than I was a couple months ago. Through the encouragement of loving believers around me (Proverbs 27:17) and by choosing to press into the hope that is within me (1 Peter 3:15)—my hope, joy, belief, rest and trust is growing and establishing me in peace.
And in the process, I AM becoming fully convinced!
