Strong Faith and Glory to God

Strong in faith, giving glory to God. (Romans 4:20 KJV)

Rom. 4:20-25; Gen. 15:6; I Chr. 29:11; II Chr. 20:20; Matt. 17:20; John 6:28-9

What Is God Saying?

Examples of faith abound in the Bible. To say it is the single most significant theme in the Bible would not be far from the target. And a person closely associated with this theme is Abraham. In his letter to the Romans, Paul makes the case for faith as the basis of salvation: nothing else, nothing more, nothing less. He is aware of the fact that Jews in Rome and everywhere else were steeped in the laws and traditions of Judaism. They believed salvation meant keeping laws and leading a flawless moral life. Of course, they, as we, must fail if that is the only way. Good works are a ladder that is neither long nor strong enough to get us into Heaven. "There is no distinction; all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:22-23). Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation and a classic example of one who was morally upright. If Paul could show that God accepted Abraham because of his faith, he would have a powerful argument supporting his thesis.

In Romans 4:20-23, Paul shows that Abraham was uncircumcised when God gave him the promise based on his faith. It was not a rite but faith that counted. Paul shows the strength of Abraham's faith against all obstacles and that this faith in God's promises gave glory to God. Our strong faith and God's great glory go together.

How Does This Apply To Us?

Above all other virtues or distinctions or achievements, God wants us to be strong in faith. When we have faith, God can do the impossible. Whereas even His hands are tied when we do not have faith (Matt. 13·58). The promises of God are at the heart of all prayer. They are the substance of prayer, the goal of prayer, and the basis of prayer. As Abraham did not doubt the promises of God, so we need to begin, continue, and end our prayers with the full assurance that God can do what He has promised.

Pray With Me

Lord, You are my strength and my salvation. Teach me how to be strong. Help me to know that faith opens the door; “in quietness and confidence shall be my strength.” Let my strength be of faith, not of pride. My strength, my pride, and my comfort shall be in a faith that rests in nothing but God's promises.

"Strong faith and glory to God." They go together. More than that, they hold me together. I cannot go to pieces in discouragement when the strength of faith is mine. My sole purpose for living is to glorify You. I am grateful for the glory I have seen in the face of Jesus Christ. I offer this prayer in His name and the strength of my faith in His service. Amen.

Moving On In The Life Of Prayer

Strong faith leads to God's glory. It believes God can do what He has promised. If we keep on believing as we pray, we will keep seeing God's glory in answered prayer, joyful, abundant lives, peace that passes understanding, and hearts that come to rest in the fullness of God's love.