My daily journaling from God’s Word. SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Romans 4.

Scripture

“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises.” –Romans 4:20-21

Observation

Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was 90 years old–beyond child-bearing age. Abraham pondered this; he was not in denial. He knew how difficult it would be to have a child. He and Sarah had failed to conceive hundreds-perhaps thousands of times. And yet, he kept trying and kept believing because of God’s promise.

His faith was based on God’s promise–God’s word to him. The promise meant more than the adverse circumstance. Abraham believed in a big God–a God far bigger than the very laws of nature!

I’m struck with how long Abraham believed. He first heard from God 25 years earlier with no indication of hearing again until he was 100. What perseverance he had!

Application

Base my life on God’s promises rather than my circumstances. Realize God is at work even though His timing might not be the same as mine. We can’t put a time-limit on God’s promises.

There’s a popular quote going around, “The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over, expecting different results.” There is certainly some truth to this, and yet, it’s not always this way with God. He has His purpose and his timing. Sometimes He wants us (like Abraham) to simply be faithful, and He will give us the desired results in His own time.

Persevere in faith. Never forget God’s command and His promises.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for the example of Abraham. I confess that I desire results in my timing, but I choose to submit to Your timing.

I pray I will not lose faith as I age and some of my hopes have not yet been fulfilled. I have believed–and continue to believe–that You will use me to raise up a mighty army of gospel workers to reach this world for Christ in my generation!!!

Where I need to change, let me do so, but might I never stop believing Your mission for me and Your promises to strengthen me for the task You’ve called me to.

For Your glory, Amen.