Yet 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. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:20-22)
In chapter three, Paul made clear that a person is made right before God through faith in God and not through their own works or good deeds. In chapter four, he illustrates his point by pointing to the life of Abraham.
Genesis 15:6 says that “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.” God promised Abraham a multitude of descendants even though at the time Abraham didn’t have a child and Sarah and he were past the age of child-bearing. Yet Abraham believed in God. He trusted God’s promise. He believed God’s power. And God saw Abraham’s faith and declared Abraham to be righteous. Abraham was made right before God through faith.
What is faith? I like the definition given in Romans 4:21–”being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.” Faith is knowing the promise of God, knowing the power of God, and being “fully persuaded” that God can and will accomplish His promise.
In Christ, God promises us the forgivenss of sins, the resurrection of the body, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and an eternal, abundant life. Faith is being fully persuaded that God can and will accomplish this promise in us.
Thus, walking by faith means that, despite our circumstances, we walk in confidence that God has power to accomplish His promises. What are some of God’s promises?
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
Death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any power, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).
In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
What promises encourage your heart? Walk by faith today being fully persuaded that God has power to do what He has promised.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:3-4).