A Secret of Faith

In hope he believed against hope, 
that he should become the father of many nations, 
as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 
He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, 
which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), 
or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 
No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, 
but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 
fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 
Romans 4:18-21 ESV
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It did not make sense that Abraham would become a father at all, much less "the father of many nations." He was old. His wife was old. They had tried to have children their entire lives and had been disappointed month after month until finally it became biologically impossible. In spite of circumstances which seemed to mock the promise of God, Abraham believed. Where did this perseverance in faith come from? Romans 4:20 gives an important clue. Abraham gave glory go to God and this caused him to grow in the capacity to believe his promises. Worship increases faith.

If we are to walk in Abraham's footsteps we need to forge the spiritual discipline of worship into our lives. Glorifying God means ascribing to him his true value. As we do that each day, we will find our faith in his promises growing stronger. So spend time meditating on the psalms, listen (and sing along!) to a worship playlist, write prayers of love to Jesus, and turn your gaze upon the Triune God. It will slowly but surely increase your "faith muscles."

Almighty Creator and Redeemer, I confess that often I have failed to discipline my heart to worship. Teach me to glorify you moment by moment. May my faith become strong like Abraham's faith. But may I not expect that growth to come without grace-infused effort on my part. I ask that you would draw me to the place of worship over and over again. In Jesus' name. Amen.