Romans 4

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God. By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age--and Sarah herself was sterile-for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore." (Hebrews 11:8-12)

Faith Of Our Father

By faith, our father Abraham,
Despite his age and barren wife,
Held fast in faith to the I AM --
A miracle - they bore new life.

He had no disbelief nor doubt;
His faith confirmed and empowered
His aging heart to remain stout -
In his strength, God's graces showered.

"A father of many nations"
Was promised him, and he believed:
Not wavered by tribulations;
His faith, as righteousness, received.

By faith alone; not by the law
Was Abraham's covenant set;
All those who walk his path will draw
God's promise they will inherit.

His faith shines for generations;
His steadfast hope undergirds ours;
A father of many nations --
His offspring number as the stars.

So too, in Jesus we believe;
By faith alone, we will receive.


May the example of our father Abraham instill in us the deep desire to ask the Spirit for the gift of a strong and unwavering faith to gird our beings and to draw our spirits deeply into God.

(c) Paul Buis, 2005