Word of life Rom 4:18a (ESV)

                             “In hope he believed against hope,

              that he should become the father of many nations.”

What is emphasized?

“He believed against hope.”

Abraham believed in a situation when, according to human reason, there was no hope. He could not even anchor his hope in another person or in some means or even in him himself. His faith was absolutely pure, dependent only on God. His hope was set on God alone, even though all visible things testified against that belief which Abraham stood fast in. The words of St. Paul apply to this belief: “We are fools for Christ’s sake.” (1Cor 4:10) This pure faith and hope also mean pure love for God. God rightfully expects this faith from us. The world mocks this faith because it seeks an effect. True faith in God does not seek external effects but only God’s will. If one abides in this faith, one obtains the most precious treasure. This faith deepens one’s intimate relationship with God.

Practical application:

In trials which God puts me to, especially in ones where I can see no solution according to my reason, I have to learn to trust in God alone. I cannot see the solution but He sees it. For me, the solution now is He Himself; I anchor my hope in Him and I know that He has 1000 possibilities for solving this problem, although I can see none. I believe in Him, no longer in my own strength, in my reason, in my experience, but only in Him. I do not want to achieve the desired result, but I commend myself to Him and I want to give Him the first place in this situation.