In Romans 4:3 and Galatians 3:6 (quoting Genesis 15:6), scripture tells us that “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
What did Abraham believe? He was an old man. His wife was an old woman who was unable to have children during her so-called child-bearing years. But God promised they would have a child, and that through that child they would have descendants more numerous than the stars.
Reason told them it was impossible. Experience tempted them to doubt that Abraham had even heard from the Lord. In fact, they got impatient and tried their own scheme when Abraham became intimate with his wife’s assistant, Hagar, and Hagar had a boy named Ishmael. But in the end, Abraham believed God. The result? Issac.
From the news, our reason and experience tell us the economy is struggling and that we’re vulnerable. Gas prices are high. Companies are laying off workers. Food is scarce in some areas. Weather patterns are threatening.
But we need to be like Abraham. When circumstances tempted him to doubt God’s promise, he just looked up at the stars, remembered what the Lord had promised him, and saw himself with all those descendants. Abraham believed the promise.
Instead of meditating on the news, let’s meditate on the promises the Lord gave us in His Word, make sure we’re doing what the Word says is our part, and believe and trust God to keep His promise.
In the context of writing about giving, the Apostle Paul, by the Spirit of God, proclaimed the promise: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV). That’s for you. Now. In the middle of a sour economy.
So turn off the news. Stop listening to dire predictions from your family, friends, and co-workers. Instead, find the promise in the Word, sow, believe, declare, stand, and reap what you’re believing for.
Believe God, and it will be accounted to you as righteousness. Seek first the kingdom of God, and all the things you need will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33).