the Rev. Henry Huenemann
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God (Rom. 4:20).
Bible Reading
Romans 4:13-25:Devotional
What a glorious testimony of the faith of Abraham! God had given Abraham great promises. He was to have a son. A father of many nations would God make him; his seed should be as the stars of heaven in multitude; they were to inherit the land of Canaan, and in his seed (Christ) should all the nations of the earth be blessed. "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."
But his faith was severely tested. He had to wait about twenty-five years before the promise, that he should have a son, went into fulfillment. He had nothing but the bare promise to cling to throughout all these years. And he clung to it even when he and his wife Sarah were "past age." "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief: but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;" and being fully persuaded, that what He (God) had promised, He was able also to perform. And in due time He did perform it. Isaac was born in a miraculous way. Abraham's faith was not put to shame, but there awaited him a still severer test of faith. When Isaac was grown up to be a lad, God commanded Abraham to offer him up for a burned offering. And Abraham obeyed. He offered up his only begotten son, accounting that God was able to raise him up even from the dead. Again Abraham's faith was rewarded. He received his son back in a figure. Isaac became a type of Christ, of his death and resurrection. And Abraham gave glory to God.
Prayer
O God, Thou God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Thou keepest covenant and truth. What has gone out of Thy mouth, Thou wilt perform. None of Thy words shall ever fall to the ground. Help us to believe Thy word. Give us an implicit trust in Thy promises. When, in the day of trouble, we can see no way out, may we not despair, but call upon Thee and cling to Thy promise that Thou will deliver us; and may we glorify Thee. Amen.
Scripture in Devotional: Gal. 3:16; Gen. 22-18; Rom. 4:3; Gen. 15:16; Heb. 11:17,19; Rom. 4:20; Matt. 17:20.
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