December 21

Hebrews 11:11 (NIV84) — 11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.

There is a lot written and said about faith so what I am pointing out is not some new revelation, but nonetheless, it is good stuff from the Spirit. Sarah and Abraham were ENABLED (dunimas – translated power and ability) by something or someone. We know that it was God who did it, that is a no brainer, but the phrasing here is something we should consider, “because he considered him faithful who had made the promise”. That is powerful!

Faith sometimes gets put in the abstract for us. It becomes that “thing” that we have to have or attain. This phrase really connects some dots for us. Faith is considering something or someone faithful who made a promise. So faith in God is trusting God to deliver on what He said. In this case, there was nothing that Abraham and Sarah could do but have relations with one another and believe that God would perform a miracle! But get this: God was enabled to fulfill His promise to Abraham and Sarah because of their faith! It isn’t as though God NEEDS our faith to operate – that is silly. However He does fulfill His promise to us WHEN we have faith. Although some may be uncomfortable with this, I am not because I understand that God HAS ALL the power and His power is not limited by me! However, if I don’t believe for salvation, do I attain it? No! Therefore, I can limit the operation of God’s power by my lack of “considering Him faithful to fulfill His promise” to me. Think about it.