September 24

As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist. — Rom 4:17 BSB

The Word of God has the power to create what it commands. When Christ says, "Now you are clean through the word I have spoken to you," we are clean. When He says, "No condemnation," then there is none, no matter how much sin lies behind us. When He says, "mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds," then the weak are made strong.

Faith’s role is to take God at His Word and expect Him to make it real. A French commander once thanked a common soldier for saving his life and called him "captain." Though the man was only a private, he accepted the new name and was thereby made a captain.

Shall we not take God at His Word when He speaks of justification, sanctification, and power? He gives strength to the faint, and to those who have no might, He increases strength. Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.