HE STAGGERED NOT AT THE PROMISE OF GOD

 
 
DECEMBER 30.
 
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief.
Romans 4:20
 
IF Abraham did not, we have:
  yet we have far less reason than he had.
 
The promises are given to us of free grace.
 
They are supported by the holiness and immutability of God.
 
They demand our credit and confidence.
 
But, through unbelief, we often object, or dispute;
  they are too great, or too good for us.
 
They are for eminent persons,
  not for such poor, sinful, unworthy creatures as we are.
 
It is not probable that they will ever be fulfilled in our experience.
 
This is unbelief.
 
This is staggering.
 
Now we are all unsteady; and
  this affects our hope,
  our prayers, and
  our obedience;
  for steady faith is the root of lively hope,
   fervent prayer, and evangelical obedience.
 
Unbelief draws all its arguments from sense,
  reason, appearances, circumstances, or delays.
 
But faith should take God's promises
  as the gift of God's grace,
  hold it fast, because God is faithful; and
  expects its fulfillment, because God is true.
 
Let us watch against unbelief,
  which dishonours God, and distresses us.
 
Let us seek faith from God,
  that we may exercise faith in God; and
  let a set Abraham before us as our example.

 

Faith has for its foundation broad

A stable rock, on which I stand,

The truth and faithfulness of God;

All other ground is sinking sand.

 
James Smith 1849