Scripture
"Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead-since he was about a hundred years old-and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:19-22)
Observation
Abraham was in betwixt and in between! Caught in the jaws of a major dilemma. God promised that he'd have a flock of kids. But the condition of his 100 year old resources would cause even fertility experts to flinch. And his wife Sarah was no spring chicken! Now what do we do?
Sounded foolish to Sarah. She laughed at the prospect of having a brood of children. But even in the echoes of laughter, Abraham did not waver in his faith.
Or was it faith? Could it have been foolishness? Stubbornness maybe?
I think faith could have a measure of stubbornness to it, don't you think? Some might call it endurance or fortitude. Both of those may be better words than "stubbornness." But in either case, it's remaining steadfast to the end ... like a dying soldier holding the flag of his country to his chest. It's a martyr's last breath uttering the name of Christ.
Abraham had that kind of fortitude, and God credited his account with a deposit He called "righteousness."
This is what I need more of in my account! There are huge benefits to righteousness. "The prayers of a righteous man avails much with God" says James 5. Psalms 5 promises that He will bless the righteous, and Psalm 34 tells me that His eyes are always toward the righteous and He sustains him. The righteous will dwell in His presence and so much more!
Application
When it comes to believing, I think I relate more to Sarah than Abraham, but that has to change! I need more shares of righteousness added to my account.
I will meditate on this today and revisit what God has promised to me. I waver when things don't seem to going well. When results are scarce and encouragement is distant. Righteousness is not just being good and godly. It is not being "gifted" ... for He never promised that the prayers of a god Pentecostal would avail much.
It's the prayers of the righteous. People who may not have the resources but who proceed forward as if they do! It is staying stalwart even though the feelings are gone and the guarantees are missing.
Prayer
Lord, Please help me to be a man of righteousness ... not just in actions but in faith... someone who may not see the resources but who moves forward in faith anyway. And even though my resources may seem old and there are no spring chickens running about, teach me to be righteous in my attitude and faith. It might be seen as stubbornness by men, but may it be seen as righteousness by heaven.
