Romans 4:17: As It Is Written, "I Have Made You The Father Of Many Nations"

Romans 4:17
[17] as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. (ESV)

I love those words, "as it is written." Every time you see those words in Scripture it is important for you to pay attention. It is the Bible saying, "Not only has this been said before, but you need to hear it again!" When you are wondering what God really feels about a situation in your life or in your world, go to where "it is written."

Paul reminds us of God's promise to Abraham that he would make him the father of many nations. Abraham believed God. That is substantial because Abraham knew that he was an old man and the likelihood of him being the father of one son was not good, much less the father of many nations. Hebrews 11:12 describes him as being, "as good as dead."

God is the God who gives life to the dead! God kept his promise and we are here today as members of the many nations that come from Abraham. God is the Creator of all things. He is able to bring new life to that which is dead. He is also able to call things into existence that do not exist. He called the world into being. He called us unto salvation.

Our lives are full of situations that seem to be impossible. We would like to have joy in our lives but it is not existent. We have relationships that are broken and as good as dead. God is able to bring things into existence that are beyond our wildest imaginations. The things that we think are dead he is able to breathe into life.

Come to the Lord today. Give him your brokenness. Give him things that you think are dead. Give him your future. He is the God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. How do I know this? Because it is written!

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