So I wrote this blog over a year ago and never posted it for whatever reason, but I just came across it again and thought I would. 

"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed... He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Romans 4:18,20-21

God's promise to Abraham- I'm gonna make you into a great nation. Go outside and count the stars. That's how many offspring will come from you. You will be the father of many nations.

Abraham was 75 when God first told him to get up and leave and go to a certain land- bc he was going to make him into a great nation. It wasn't until Abraham was 100 (and Sarah was 90) that she finally bore him a child. For 25 years they waited. Each birthday that passed, Hey God? I'm not getting any younger. We should probably get started on all those offspring...

It's almost nice to see moments of weakness in these men and women of extreme faith because we realize that they're like us. Then they do incredible things that make us feel insignificant, but still we do see moments of weakness. So Abraham may have messed up a few times. Taken matters into his own hands. God said he was going to give him offspring, but He didn't say from who- right? So 10 years later, here's an idea- I'll sleep with my servant and she can give me the offspring God was talking about. I feel like there had to be something deep within screaming TERRIBLE PLAN! ABORT! ABORT! Probably not OK... but it happened anyway. With significant consequences.

And then at the age of 99... God appeared to him again. He told Abraham he would give him a son through Sarah, within the year. First he laughed at God (probably also not the best idea)... But then Abraham believed. Against all hope. What seemed impossible was actually impossible. Women who are 90 aren't making babies. I just looked up the oldest women ever known to give birth, she was 66. By IVF. Which was not around in the time of Genesis.

I know I constantly put God in a box, not having a strong enough faith to believe his promises. Let this be my prayer! To believe the promises of God even when all hope seems lost! To be strong, steady, unwavering in my faith! Not only just holding on for dear life, but continuously being strengthened by the hoping and waiting in Him. Always giving glory. Fully persuaded that he's gonna do exactly what he said he would. Because He's THAT good.

What does he promise?

Phil 1:6- he began a good work in you will take it to completion

Psalm 34:18- he is close to the brokenhearted

Isaiah 40:29- he gives strength to the weary

Isaiah 54:10- his love and peace is never going anywhere
Jeremiah 11:29- his plans are to give you hope and a future
Matthew 11:28- he will give you rest when you are weary and burdened.
Phil 4:19- he will supply ALL your needs
Romans 8:37-39- nothing can separate us from Him
Psalm 139:7-10- he is everywhere.
1 Corinthians 10:13- you will never be tempted beyond your ability
Matthew 19:26- with Him all things are possible
1 Corinthians 2:9- nobody has ever seen or heard the things that God has for those he loves
John 3:16- whoever believes in him while live with him forever
Deut 33:27- he will destroy your enemies


And that is just a tiny sampling :)