4:19
“Without weakening in his faith ...” Abraham and Sarah faced up to the reality of the situation, namely their inability to have children. Faith is not fantasy, it faces up to the realities of the situation, most specifically to our innate sinfulness. All salvation by works religions are living in a fantasy, the fantasy being that we can make ourselves good. We should also note that while it says “without weakening in his faith” Abraham’s journey was not an easy one, and was one in which he had many struggles and got things wrong. This is made clear in the Genesis account.
4:20
“Yet he did not waver ...” So, given the struggles and mistakes that Abraham and Sarah had, what does this mean? Not wavering does not mean never finding things difficult, it does not mean never struggling. What Abraham did do was continue to follow the Lord. “Strengthened in his faith”. In the midst of the struggles God came to him and reaffirmed the promise, indeed, He strengthened the promise. God works in our lives to increase our faith. Abraham gave glory to God. He faced two realities: his own doubts and weaknesses, and God’s promises and strength. He chose to go with God’s promises.
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