Scripture:
Romans 4:18,20
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations
20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
Ornament: star or an array of stars
Carol: We Three Kings
Thoughts:
This is the week of meditating on hope. Considering Abraham, Paul shows how triumphant the hope of Abraham was, and we know that God loved Abraham and called him “friend” for this. Isn’t it interesting that hope strengthened his faith? This sort of hope rises from trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God.
Abraham “staggered not” as the King James translation puts it: “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God”. The promises of God to him were big. They were huge. And had nothing to do with his circumstances or abilities as they physically appeared at that moment.
Can you dare to believe in the great vision that God wants to give you? Can you embrace God’s promises for you? Can you accept what He says about you and your future through the expectation which is yours in His Son? Can you pit your hope against the furthest reaches of your hope… and then go one better?
Perhaps this is the true source of “sisu”, a Finnish word – that inner reservoir of strength and determination that powers against all obstacles. Man’s will may fail, but tapping into hope and trust of God’s faithfulness creates an inner dynamo. The power source station that eventually overcame death. That is the promise we have in Christ.
But to look at the baby in the manger… you had to believe the promises, the way that Abraham believed.
Reach for the stars. Let God open your ears to what He has in mind for you.
Hymn/Carol: O Holy Night
