Pretending vs. Believing -The Power and Promise of God's Word

Paul wrote this in Romans about Abraham....."as it is written, 'I have made you a father of many nations; in the presence of Him whom he believed - God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things, which do not exist as though they did'" Romans 4:17

The notations in my Bible says this:
Pretending vs. Believing, Power and Promise of God's Word.
Biblical faith involves a balanced perspective; believing God's Word in the face of one's circumstances, while not ignoring circumstances or pretending no problem exists. Faith recognizes the problem, then presents it to God, acknowledging Him in the face of that problem and declaring His truth and promise as the greater "word" on the subject.

Abraham is used here as an example. He did not deny his or Sarah's natural condition, but rather believed God's ability to change circumstances by calling those things that did not exist as though they did. Notice, this verse does not say God calls things that are, as though they do not exist; but rather, that God calls those things, which do not exist as though they do exist. Thus we see that authentic faith does not deny the obstacle at hand, but declares that God is greater than the obstacle. Faith does not deny that a sickness is in the body, but declares Jesus' ability to heal the body (see Mark 5:23). Faith does not deny financial need, but acknowledges Jesus' ability to meet our needs (See Matthew 17:24-27).

Romans 10:9 tells us:
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

This is the most foundational lesson in the importance and power of faith's confession found anywhere in the Bible. The principle is established at the very beginning of our life in Christ. Just as salvation (God's righteous working in our behalf) is appropriated by heart belief and spoken confession, so His continuing working in our lives is advanced by the same means.

The word "confess" (Greek homologeo) has the connotation of (a binding public declaration by which a legal relation is contractually established" So, as our words "contract" from OUR side the salvation God has fully provided from HIS by Christ's saving work and power, so we have a principle for all of life. Beginning in the spirit of SAVING faith, we're to grow in ACTIVE faith - believing in God's power for all our needs, speaking with our lips what our hearts receive and believe of the many promises in His Word.

LET'S ACCEPT GOD'S "CONTRACTS" FOR ALL OUR NEED BY ENDOWING THEM WITH OUR CONFESSED BELIEF - JUST AS WHEN WE WERE SAVED.

Father, HELP US to receive Your Promises into our lives with the same belief and confession that brought us to become part of YOUR family. Help us to simply turn and believe, and trust You. You will never disappoint anyone who is leaning on, and trusting You. In Jesus' Name.