The promise

Therefore, [inheriting] the promise is the outcome of faith and depends [entirely] on faith, in order that it might be given as an act of grace (unmerited favour), to make it stable and valid and guaranteed to all his descendants - not only to the devotees and adherents of the Law, but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, who is [thus] the father of us all. Romans 4:16 AMP

The promise. The promise Abraham received from God - you shall be the father of many nations - seemed an impossible promise to keep given Abraham's circumstances.

[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised. So [numberless] shall your descendants be.  He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah's [deadened] womb. Romans 4:18-19 AMP

What happens for you when you have received a promise from God, yet in your current circumstances it seems impossible? Are you able to 'not weaken in faith' like Abraham? How do you 'not weaken in faith'? What are the practical steps we can take?

No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. Romans 4:20-21 AMP

This scripture shows us a few ways to help us 'not weaken in faith'. 

1. Don't let yourself 'doubtingly question' - as soon as your mind starts to waiver, take those thoughts captive and ask yourself, do these thoughts align with the promise God has given me, and the truth in God's word? If not, replace them with the God's promise and truth.

2. Give praise and glory to God - in the waiting time, spend as much time as possible praising God for Who He is, and endeavour to bring glory to Him in everything you do and say.

3. Be fully satisfied and assured that God was able - remember all that God has done for you in the past, starting with your salvation. Remember all the promises and assurances He has given you in the past and the testimonies from those promises. 

It is not easy to 'not weaken in faith'. I know. It is a daily struggle to keep replacing the fearful and negative thoughts with God's promises. It is a choice to praise rather than wallow in self-pity. It can be a challenge to recall all the good things God has done in your life when all you can see is the down side of life. But we do have a God who is faithful.

God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ out Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9 AMP

And we have the promise of the Holy Spirit, our comforter and counsellor to help us, every day, in every way possible.

For the promise [of the Holy Spirit] is to and for you and your children, and to and for all that are far away [even] to and for as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself. Acts 2:39 AMP

Question for today, are you struggling to keep believing in a promise God has given you, or in some truth in God's word? If yes, I encourage you to take time today to have a go at doing those three things I mentioned above, taking thoughts captive, praising God and remembering how God has been faithful in your life. I pray that these activities will help you to stand firm and keep believing.

For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes [answer] in Him [Christ]. For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him [in His Person and by His agency] to the glory of God. But it is God Who confirms and makes us steadfast and establishes us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and has consecrated and anointed us [enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit]; [He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit and guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise]. 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 AMP