Romans 4:16-25

 16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be
guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but
also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17As it is
written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight
of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things
that are not as though they were.
 18Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many
nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19Without
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.
20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was
strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21being fully persuaded that
God had power to do what he had promised. 22This is why “it was credited to
him as righteousness.” 23The words “it was credited to him” were written not for
him alone, 24but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who
believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25He was delivered over
to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Meditation
1. How does Abraham illustrate our own hopeless predicament as non-Christians
and the solution provided in Jesus Christ (vv.18-25)?
2. What situation am I currently facing that requires faith in the God of resurrection and creation?
3. How can I demonstrate faith and hope in that situation?

Personal Note:
God promised Abraham to be the father of all nations.  He had no offspring until he was 100 years old and his wife's womb was barren.  He had faith in God's promise and God miraculously delivered His promise to them.  We live in a hopeless and meaningless world, and God promised us life to the fullest through faith in His son Jesus Christ.  I believe that God is the creator of the universe and He came to us and paid for the penalty of death and he resurrected and overcame death and sin.  The situation I am facing is living out this truth from the bottom of my heart.  Most brothers and sisters know about the fact of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Faith requires me to know (believe and accept) this core truth of God's love to me.  I am called to multiply disciples and my only hope in leading and bringing young people to become followers of Jesus Christ is the hope of God's power and grace in the ministry.  I can demonstrate faith and hope when I persistently pray for the hearts of the young people, continue to love and spend quality time in building their relationship with Christ, and faithfully plan and prepare in all lessons and messages.