In what ways can we trust God's promises like Abraham did in Genesis 17:5? “No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.” Receiving a New Identity from God • God changes Abram (“exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of a multitude”) before Isaac is conceived. • Trust today: let God’s Word, not circumstances, define who you are—redeemed, adopted, victorious (Ephesians 1:3-7; 1 Peter 2:9). • Live from that identity, not toward it. If God says it, it is settled. Believing Before Seeing • Abraham “hoped in faith” while circumstances were dead (Romans 4:18-21). • Trust when promises look impossible—health reports, prodigal children, financial lack. • Faith counts God’s promise as “already done” because God speaks of “things that are not as though they are” (Romans 4:17). Anchoring Confidence in God’s Character • “I am God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1). Ability, not probability, determines fulfillment (Numbers 23:19). • His word “will accomplish what I please” (Isaiah 55:11). • Hold promises loosely in timing, tightly in certainty; He is never late. Acting in Immediate Obedience • Abraham circumcised every male that very day (Genesis 17:23). • Obedience is faith’s visible expression—give, forgive, serve, witness. • Trust grows strongest when moved from lips to lifestyle (James 2:22). Waiting with Hopeful Endurance • Twenty-four years passed from Genesis 12 to 17, another year to Isaac. • “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). • Keep praying, praising, preparing; delay refines, never denies. Seeing Fulfillment in Christ • All promises find their “Yes” in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Through Him we become Abraham’s spiritual offspring and heirs (Galatians 3:29). • If God kept the greater promise of salvation, He will keep the lesser promises of daily provision (Romans 8:32). Practical Ways to Trust Like Abraham • Memorize key promises; recite them aloud. • Journal past faithfulness—personal “altars” of remembrance. • Surround yourself with believing community (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Replace “What if?” with “Even if” declarations of faith (Daniel 3:17-18). • Thank God in advance; gratitude accelerates trust (Philippians 4:6-7). |
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