Spent some time reading about Abraham this morning....I'm challenged and convicted as a result.

"Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness" (Romans 4:3b)

I've read that statement many times and always thought, 'wow, what an honor to be mentioned in the Bible because of your faithfulness'. The story of Abraham has always been one that teaches us of a great, faithful trust in God.....one that I just seem to read about, but never really grasp the concept that "I" can have that kind of faith....it almost seems 'fairy-tale' like at times: a man who spoke with God, who was chosen by Him, witnessed a miracle, was willing to sacrifice his son, etc.

But this morning I read about this 'faraway-like' faith and was challenged by it instead of just impressed by it.....

"(Abraham) Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, neither at the deadness of Sarah's womb. 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 had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness." Romans 4:18-22

Abraham wasn't just born with this gift of amazing faith....there were many things he DID in this process of living by faith.....he believed, he was not weak, he considered, he staggered not (my favorite one!!), he was strong in faith, gave glory to God, and was fully persuaded.....that's quite the list! Living a life defined by faith is not easy....it required work. And it's also not JUST for the heroes of the Bible...it's available to us...today.....

"Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him, But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus, our Lord, from the dead;
Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification." Romans 4:23-25

We have the opportunity to live a life defined by great faith.....it's not just a fairytale faith. It's real, it's required, and it's available.

I make a 'to do' list almost every day....I have to, to keep up with all that needs to be accomplished. Today, I still have a list to make....I need to do laundry, pack, finish up some Christmas gifts, exercise, etc....but today, I am also adding a few more things to it.....
...believe in the promises of God
...consider who HE is, not who I am
...stagger NOT at His promises
....but instead give glory to Him
....and live a life fully persuaded in the power and goodness of my God!!