“(Abraham), contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be’” (Romans 4:18).

Abram, who became Abraham, is held up to us as the example of how to live a life of faith and to see our God-ordained purpose realized. He lived in the Old Covenant but pulled a New Covenant experience into his life. Romans 4:17-21 especially shows us how he did this. Let’s look at those verses and learn what Abraham did. I have chosen some specific truths from these Bible passages to present to you. I suggest you read through the titles first, then read the ones that are highlighted to you as a “now word” for you today. 

1. He understood he was not who his experience said he was - “God who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did” (vs 17b). God called Abraham a “father of a multitude” when it looked impossible. We are not what our circumstances and feelings are telling us we are. We don’t deny these, but we don’t get our beliefs from them. 
2. He heard and took steps to believe what was spoken over him - “Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken” (vs 18). Something is spoken over you that is incredible. First, like Jesus, you will hear God’s affection for you; “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Then you will hear your prophetic uniqueness and purpose that will give hope and vision for the future. 
3. He became who he already was - “Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken,” Jacob said to the angel, “I will not let you go until you bless me” (Genesis 32:26). His blessing was a revelation of his true identity (his name), He was not Jacob (deceiver), but Israel (prince with God). We too “wrestle” in our mind renewal (Romans 12:2) to believe and then experience who God says we are. 
4. He did not get his beliefs from what he saw and felt - “And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb” - We don’t deny the facts of our circumstances, but believe in truths higher than the facts. Yes, we will need to manage the details of our lives while prioritizing and strengthening our beliefs. 
5. He focused on strengthening his beliefs by giving glory to God - “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God” (vs 20). Once we have decided what God wants us to believe, we are to get a plan to strengthen those specific beliefs. It is like isolating a particular muscle in our body to strengthen. This is done through biblical meditation, declarations, and by “giving glory to God''. The more we focus on the abilities of God rather than our own, the more we will be transformed. “We behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord are being transformed from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
6. He entered into a fully convinced mindset - “and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform” (vs 21). It is a process to get fully convinced in who we are, but it is a goal we can reach. Abraham did and so can we. Knowing this will cause us to persevere on our beliefs journey. 

Abram, who became Abraham, is our example of how to live in the New Covenant faith Romans 4:17-21 gives us great insights into how to do so. I believe you are a modern day Abraham who is being blessed with promises in astounding ways that will bless generations to come!