Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. (Romans 4:20-25 NLT)
Paul turns to Abraham as an example of the restored relationship with God that can come only by trusting God. God promised Abraham that he would be a father to many nations and the promised child didn’t arrive until long after Abraham seemed to have lost the ability to father a child. The fulfillment of the promise also required that Sarah, his wife, be able to conceive despite never in her life having the ability to have children. Any rational person would say that what happened was impossible. Fortunately for us, Abraham was not rational. He trusted that God would keep his promise. He and Sarah did waver a bit at one point and the result was the Arab nation. Paul tells us that the longer Abraham had to wait the more he trusted that God would keep His promise. Abraham’s trust in God’s promise was a continual act of worship.
Worship doesn’t necessarily require trust. I can bow down, or worship, anything that has power over me. It could be a substance that through addiction I have chosen to give power over me. In some parts of the world people are still required to worship a government that maintains its rule through power. No trust is required in these cases, only a recognition or fear of what attempting to break free will bring.
Our worship of God is different. It is totally based on trust in God’s character; His goodness, love and faithfulness. Instead of feeling like God should be proud of us for showing up for another Sunday we should be praising Him and thanking Him for making it possible to come into His presence. I think this is why daily prayer is so important. It is an opportunity to recognize that God has made it possible for me to come into His presence with confidence. Every moment of every day I can act out of trust in and love for the God who created me and desires to have a relationship with me. Every moment of every day I can worship God.
For my grandchildren:
Never take your relationship with God for granted.
Check out mygrandmatime for more Family Bible Activities on the book of Romans.
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