What does Romans 4:20 mean?
What is the meaning of Romans 4:20?

Yet he did not waver

Paul points to Abraham, a man who faced impossibilities—his own age and Sarah’s barrenness—yet stayed steady. James 1:6 warns that doubt leaves a person tossed like a wave; Abraham refused that instability. Hebrews 11:11 highlights the same steadiness, noting that Sarah herself received power to conceive because she “considered Him faithful who had promised.”

• Faith took Abraham beyond what his eyes could see.

• He anchored on God’s proven character rather than fluctuating feelings.


through disbelief in the promise of God

Disbelief never gained a foothold. When Zechariah doubted Gabriel’s message in Luke 1:20, he was struck silent; Abraham’s trust brought a very different outcome. Mark 9:24 shows a father confessing, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”—honest doubt seeking help. In contrast, Abraham’s heart rested on Genesis 15:5-6, where God showed him the starry sky and promised descendants without number.

• God’s promises are certain because His nature is unchanging (Numbers 23:19).

• Disbelief questions God’s integrity; faith affirms it.


but was strengthened in his faith

Faith is not static; it grows as God supplies strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9 records the Lord saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Abraham experienced the same strengthening. 1 Peter 5:10 assures that God Himself will “restore, secure, strengthen, and establish” His people.

• Each delay became a workout for Abraham’s faith­-muscles.

• Strength came from God, not from Abraham’s optimism.


and gave glory to God

A heart rooted in faith naturally overflows in worship. Psalm 115:1 declares, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory.” Abraham’s unwavering trust magnified God’s faithfulness long before Isaac arrived. John 9:3 shows Jesus framing miracles as platforms for divine glory, and 1 Corinthians 10:31 calls every action to that same purpose.

• Glorifying God is the inevitable result of trusting Him.

• Praise becomes proof that we believe His word is already as good as done.


summary

Romans 4:20 portrays Abraham as a model believer: he refused to wobble, held tight to God’s promise, drew supernatural strength, and poured out glory to the Promise-Keeper. This verse invites every follower of Christ to cherish Scripture as literal, stand firm without doubting, lean on the Lord’s enabling power, and live in continual worship that spotlights His unfailing faithfulness.

How does Romans 4:19 challenge modern views on miracles and divine intervention?
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