Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 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.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Romans 4:18-25

~~~~~

God, My Creditor
By Jennifer Kane

God gives breath, life,
and every good thing.

All we claim as ours,
traces back to Him.

Not one seed grows,
not one heartbeat echoes,
without His hand.

His resources know no end—
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills,
the stars, the dust, the oceans.

He spoke, and all things became,
all things remain,
His.

Earthly creditors tally their accounts,
demand payment in harsh tones.

But God writes grace
where debt once stood,
forgiving, erasing,
through Christ’s sacrifice.

God demands justice,
but provides the payment Himself.

A Savior who bore the cost,
settling a debt
we could never repay.

His justice is mercy,
His mercy, love.

Human fairness falters,
favor sways with wealth,
but God is perfectly just.

He sees all,
knows all,
holds all accountable.

No bribes, no bargains,
only truth.

Where humans crave coins
and deeds of the earth,
God’s credit touches eternity.

Not riches or titles,
but souls—
redeemed, restored,
and saved.

We are caretakers of a borrowed world.

The trees, the soil, the sky—
His gifts to us,
His tools for His glory.

He watches how we build,
how we sow.

Patience flows from Him
like rivers that never run dry.

He waits,
giving us time to see,
to turn,
to change.

He does not rush—
He draws us in.

The Forgiver of Debt
Through Christ,
our sin is unbound,
our debt forgiven.

We are free—
free from the weight,
free to walk in light,
free to serve.

The Master entrusts His servants.
Every gift is a seed,
every talent, a tool.

He calls us to be faithful,
to multiply what is given,
to make His name known.

For the glory is always His.

~~~~~

Scripture: Romans 4:18-25

Have you ever struggled to believe God could fulfill His promises in your life? Abraham’s story reminds us that faith isn’t rooted in circumstances but in God’s unshakable power. He is the God who “calls things that are not as though they were” and justifies those who trust in Him.

Abraham faced impossible odds—his body was as good as dead, and Sarah’s womb was barren. Yet, he trusted in God’s promise, not relying on what his eyes saw or what reason dictated.

Faith doesn’t ignore reality but chooses to trust in God’s ability to bring life to seemingly lifeless situations. Just as Abraham believed God would bring descendants from barrenness, we can trust God to bring spiritual fruit in impossible situations. What impossible circumstance can you surrender to God in faith?

Abraham’s faith grew as he relied on God. His confidence wasn’t in his own abilities but in God’s. Every act of trust glorified God, showing that the promises were not about Abraham’s strength but God’s power.

Faith requires action. Abraham and Sarah acted in faith by continuing to trust and obey God, even when the fulfillment of the promise seemed distant. True faith isn’t passive—it leads to obedient steps that glorify God. How can you glorify God in your actions while waiting for His promises to unfold?

Abraham was convinced that God was able to do the impossible. This conviction is the foundation of faith—not in our strength, but in God’s all-sufficiency.

Rest in the assurance that your righteousness is credited by faith, not works.

Our faith in God’s promises must rest on His unchanging character. If He has the power to bring life to Sarah’s barren womb and raise Jesus from the dead, He can fulfill every promise He has made to us. What would change in your life if you lived fully convinced of God’s power?

Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness, setting a pattern for us. When we trust in the saving work of Jesus—who was delivered for our sins and raised for our justification—we are declared righteous before God. This righteousness isn’t earned; it’s credited to us because of our faith in Him.

The resurrection of Jesus is central to our justification. It affirms that His sacrifice was sufficient and secures our salvation. Just as Abraham’s story was written to encourage us, we too can walk in faith, trusting the God who justifies and redeems.

Reflect on an area of your life where you’ve struggled to trust God’s promises. Meditate on Romans 4:21: “Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Take a step of faith today by acting on His promise, whether through prayer, obedience, or surrender.

~~~~~

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Abraham’s faith. Help us to trust You with unwavering confidence, even in the face of impossibilities. Strengthen our faith, and remind us that Your promises are unshakable because they are rooted in Your character. Thank You for justifying us through Jesus Christ and calling us righteous by faith. May our lives glorify You as we walk in obedience. Amen.

December 22, 2024