“19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4: 19-21)
Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady reaches a point of frustration with the professor, leaves the house and finds her admirer waiting. She breaks into song: “Words, words, words, is that all you blithers can do…” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NGlmFlcSR8 . I sometimes wonder if God does not feel the same way about how we treat his promises. We read the words, we say the words but do we believe the words and “walk the talk?” Paul ends Romans 4 and makes his point that Abraham encountered God, before he was circumcised, while a Gentile like many of us, living among people who worship multiple gods by multiple names with multiple powers. Abraham did not allow his faith in God to be defined by the limitations of culture or by his own personal history. He knew he was old and his wife was barren. In the face of reality, he believed in a God who kept his promises and could bring about that which Abraham could not even imagine. Wow.
So where do we stand today. Are we pulling out our hair with Eliza or are we standing with Abraham believing the promises, the words of God? God promises us forgiveness, His presence, guidance, comfort and a future to all who believe and trust in him. May we be people who see beyond culture and beyond our own eyes and ears and put our faith in the Word of God. Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 