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A “…double-minded man is unstable in all his ways,” so says James the inspired writer (James 1.8). Abraham was the precise opposite of a double-minded man; consider the following quotation. “[Abraham] did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” (Romans 4.20-21; emphasis mine, jeb).

Paul stated that Abraham was “fully convinced.” In Abraham’s thinking there was no room for God to fail; it was not even a remote possibility. To be convinced is one thing; to be fully convinced goes a step beyond. Perhaps it is similar to the difference in our legal system between “a preponderance of the evidence,” and “beyond a reasonable doubt.” At any rate, Abraham was fully convinced that God was able to perform that which He had promised earlier. It was this quality of faith that led to Abraham be fittingly called “the father of all those who believe.” (Romans 4.11).

Abraham may have believed in himself, he may have believed in Sarah, he may have believed in Lot, but above and beyond all of that he believed in God; he believed that God was able to perform that which He had promised. Consider one case in point: “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called,’ concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.” (Hebrews 11.17-19; emphasis mine, jeb). To believe that God is able is to believe that He has the power to perform; there is no lapse or weakness that could prevent Him from accomplishing what He willed to do. Such was Abraham’s faith in God.

However, God is able to do something else that is of tremendous importance to every believer. We will introduce this by means of a couple of verses and then conclude our thoughts for today. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9.8; emphasis mine, jeb). Additionally, “[Jesus Christ, our High Priest] is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7.25; emphasis mine, jeb).

In fulfilling His role as Savior and Lord, there is more than adequate ability on His part. Beyond that He causes us as believers to also be able! “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6.11-13; emphasis mine, jeb).

We may be feel and act powerless at times, but God is not! When we feel powerless, we generally are looking at the situation incorrectly. God is able and He always equips His saints with the ability to be victorious. That is what Abraham believed, and guess what, it is still true!

Questions:

1. What is the difference between “a preponderance of the evidence” and “beyond a reasonable doubt”?

2. What does it mean that Abraham was “fully convinced”? How is that different from a double-minded man?

3. What evidence had Abraham seen that he might be fully convinced of God’s ability?

4. How does God equip us with the ability to stand against the devil (Ephesians 6.11-13)?

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Comfort in Isaiah II (12-14-10)