Whenever I am in a trial, one of the first passages that I turn to in Scripture is Romans 4:18-21. It tells of the patriarch Abraham, and how the Lord promised him that he would become "the father of many nations," even though he and his wife had no children, and were well past the age of childbearing. Whenever I contemplate this amazing man, and how the Lord responded to his unwavering faith, I can't help but be inspired and encouraged. What were some of the things about Abraham that enabled him to lay hold of the miracle-working power of Almighty God?

First, Abraham refused to lose hope. Scripture says: "[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be." (Romans 4:18 AMP) Human reason told Abraham that he was a fool to believe God, that his situation was hopeless, and that he would be disappointed in the end. But he still held on to his hope. Those of us who are bold enough to believe God in "hopeless" situations will receive the "impossible." Jesus said, "The things that are impossible with people are possible with God." (Luke 18:27 NASB) The Lord has a custom-made solution in store for every problem we will ever face. We receive that divine solution when we put our trust in God, and expect Him to work mightily on our behalf.

Second, Abraham's faith didn't falter when he made an honest assessment of his circumstances. "He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah's [deadened] womb." (Romans 4:19 AMP) How do we respond when we consider the condition of our finances, our health, or our relationships? Just because our situation is negative, that doesn't mean that we have to speak negatively about it, or even think negatively about it. We can choose our words and our thoughts. What we have to remember is that our God always sees the positive in our situation. And if we want to hook up with His good plans for us, then we have to remain positive, too. We can pray, "Lord, show me the good in this situation, and help me to cooperate with You so that I can receive Your absolute best."

Third, Abraham bolstered his faith with praise. As the Bible says, "No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God." (Romans 4:20 AMP) What is the best thing for us to do when we struggle with doubt or fear in a situation? Praise God. Like Abraham, as we choose to praise the Lord for who He is, for what He has done in the past, and for what He will do in the days ahead, we will receive all the divine strength and power we need to see our trial through to a flourishing finish. One translation says, "[Abraham] praised God for this blessing even before it happened." (Romans 4:20 TLB) We can follow Abraham's example and praise the Lord that our answer is on the way.

Fourth, Abraham made a quality decision to believe God and His promise. Scripture says that he was, "Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised." (Romans 4:21 AMP) When the Lord speaks a promise to our hearts, if we will agree with it, and meditate on it, and speak it out loud repeatedly, we will eventually become "fully satisfied and assured" that He will bring it to pass in our lives at the best possible time for us. When we do this, we are saying to the Lord, "I believe You are an all-powerful, all-loving God, and You are faithful to Your Word."

Just like Abraham, our unwavering faith will enable us to fulfill our God-given destiny and purpose. What could it cost you if you fail to trust God today?

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to have unwavering faith in You and Your Word. Help me to see my circumstances with the "eye of faith," instead of through my own natural eyes. Thank You that as I praise You in every situation, You will empower and enable me to reach my full potential in Christ!