Nothing to See Here: Just God's Cosmic 'Abracadabra
Dear Reader,
Today I've been diving deep into Romans 4:17, and I can't stop thinking about Abraham's incredible faith. The verse talks about "the God who calls things not being as being," and it's really challenging my understanding of who God is and what He's capable of.
Let me break it down a bit. This verse is saying that the God Abraham believed in could speak things into existence that didn't even exist yet. It's mind-blowing when you really think about it. We're not talking about God rearranging existing matter or working within the laws of nature as we understand them. No, this is about God creating something out of absolutely nothing.
I found myself imagining Abraham's situation. Here he was, well past the age when having children was possible, and God promises him a son. It wasn't just unlikely - it was impossible by human standards. Yet God looked at Abraham and Sarah's barren situation and essentially said, "Let there be Isaac!" And against all odds, Isaac came into being.
This concept of calling things that are not as though they were is really hitting me hard today. How often do I look at situations in my life and declare them hopeless? How many times have I given up on dreams or promises because they seemed impossible? Abraham's story is challenging me to see things differently.
I'm also struck by the second part of the verse, which describes God as the one "who gives life to the dead." This isn't just about physical death, I think. It's about all the "dead" situations in our lives - failed relationships, lost opportunities, unfulfilled dreams. God has the power to breathe life into all of these.
The story gets even more intense when you consider what happened later with Isaac. God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son - the very son He had miraculously provided. And Abraham obeyed! The book of Hebrews tells us that Abraham believed God could even raise Isaac from the dead. That's a level of trust I can hardly fathom.
As I sit here writing, I'm trying to apply this to my own life. Where am I limiting God? Where do I need to trust Him to bring life to seemingly dead situations? It's scary to be honest. Trusting God this much means letting go of control, and that's not easy for me.
I'm thinking about my career goals that seem out of reach, that relationship that seems beyond repair, those habits I've tried and failed to change so many times. What if I approached these with Abraham-like faith? What if I truly believed that God could speak new realities into existence in these areas?
It's not just about positive thinking or wishful dreaming. This is about aligning my beliefs with the true nature of God - a God who creates out of nothing and who has power over death itself.
I'm reminded of other stories in the Bible that demonstrate this same principle. The creation account in Genesis, where God spoke the universe into existence. The valley of dry bones in Ezekiel, where God breathed life into a hopeless situation. The resurrection of Jesus, the ultimate defeat of death.
As I go about my day, I want to keep this perspective at the forefront of my mind. I serve a God of impossible possibilities. How would my prayers change if I really believed this? How would my actions change? How would I approach challenges differently?
I'm feeling both challenged and excited. It's a bit overwhelming to think about trusting God this much, but it's also incredibly freeing. If God can do the impossible, then I don't have to have all the answers. I don't have to rely solely on my own strength or wisdom.
Tomorrow, I want to start my day by identifying areas where I've given up hope. I'm going to write them down and then pray over them, asking God to help me see them through His eyes - the eyes of the God who calls things not being as being.
This journey of faith is ongoing, and I know I'll have moments of doubt. But I'm grateful for this reminder of who God really is. May I live like I truly believe in the God of Abraham - the God who creates out of nothing and gives life to the dead.
Here's to embracing a bigger view of God and a bolder faith.
Until next time,
Chaplain Mark