Fully Persuaded

 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

— Romans 4:20-21

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

We are quick to call the enemy a thief who steals, kills, and destroys (John 10:10), but our own unbelief is an equal thief. Paul is writing about Abraham who "against all hope... in hope believed and so became the father of many nations" (vs. 18). His body was as good as dead and Sarah's womb was also dead, yet he did not waver in unbelief. He believed God's promise. He was fully persuaded that God was the One "Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed." (Romans 4:17 AMP). Unbelief is a thief that steals the promises of God. Yet we use unbelief as a protective hedge against disappointment. We believe that we won't face disappointment if we are not fully persuaded. If I keep part of me skeptical and reserved then I won't face the crushing disappointment if God doesn't come through. Unbelief is like a street thug who offers you his protection while stealing from you. It steals the very promises God has given while offering the illusion of protection.

I've lived in unbelief. I've used unbelief to protect myself from disappointment. And I wonder what I've missed out on as a result. What promises of God have been stillborn because of my unbelief? What has God promised in the past that I did not apprehend because I was keeping my grip on unbelief? What is God promising today that invites me to be fully persuaded that He has the power to do what He has promised?

Gracious Lord Jesus, today I choose to believe what God has promised. I surrender my unbelief and recognize it has not served me well. I won't allow the street thug of unbelief to take anything more. I'm cancelling all further payouts. I am fully persuaded that You have the power to do what You have promised!

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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