When we think of faith, it’s easy to imagine it as something we simply have or don’t have. But faith is not static—it can be weak, or it can be strong.
And the strength of our faith impacts how we walk with God, face life’s challenges, and stay anchored to the truth.
In Romans 4:18-21, we find a beautiful example of a man with strong faith: Abraham.
He didn’t waver, even when everything seemed hopeless.
A weak Christian in faith believes in God but often finds themselves doubting His promises.
They focus on circumstances more than God’s Word, letting their feelings sway their confidence. They tend to stumble easily, question God’s goodness during trials, and may find themselves discouraged or fearful when life doesn’t go as planned.
On the other hand, a strong Christian in faith keeps their eyes on God even when things seem impossible. They’re anchored in God’s promises, not easily shaken by hardships, and can face trials with a spirit of trust and peace. Their faith is firm, and their confidence in God grows over time, even if they don’t fully understand His plans.
Abraham’s story in Romans 4 gives us a clear example of strong faith, highlighting four key traits that separate a strong Christian from a weak one.
The Story of Abraham’s Faith
Abraham was an old man with no children, yet God promised that he would become the father of many nations. Humanly speaking, this was impossible—both Abraham and his wife Sarah were well beyond childbearing years. But Abraham didn’t let that stop him from trusting in God’s promise. God promised Abraham that he would have a child through whom all nations would be blessed, a promise that pointed directly to the coming of Jesus Christ. This promise gave Abraham a sense of purpose and hope, even in his old age, as he believed that God would fulfill His word. Through Abraham’s lineage, Jesus, the Savior of the world, would eventually come, offering salvation to all who believe. Today, this promise reminds us of God’s faithfulness and His plan to bless the world, impacting our lives with the assurance of hope and redemption through Jesus.
Now, let’s look at Romans 4:18-21 four life changing aspects of Abraham’s faith that we can apply to our own lives.
1. Believing Against All Odds
“Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.” – Romans 4:18
Abraham had every reason to doubt. The physical evidence all pointed against the possibility of having a child, yet he believed in hope “against hope.” This kind of faith goes beyond what we can see. A strong Christian chooses to trust God’s Word over circumstances. Just as Abraham believed when there was no reason to hope, we are called to stand strong in faith even when life seems to offer no solutions. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our battles are spiritual, not physical. Faith in God’s Word that holds on when there’s no human reason to do so is what truly pleases God.
2. Not Weakening in Faith
“And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb.” – Romans 4:19
Abraham did not let his old age or Sarah’s barrenness weaken his faith. He didn’t focus on his limitations. Instead, he focused on God’s ability. A weak Christian often lets obstacles weaken their faith, but a strong Christian acknowledges challenges without letting them eat away their trust in God. Ephesians 6:10 says, “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Abraham’s strength came from looking to God, not his own capabilities. When we face difficulties, we should remind ourselves that God’s power is greater than any obstacle.
3. Standing Firm
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” – Romans 4:20
Abraham didn’t waver or stumble in his faith, choosing not to let unbelief take hold. Doubts may come, but a strong Christian resists letting them grow, standing firmly on God’s promises. Ephesians 6:13 tells us to “stand” in the evil day, holding our ground and resisting the enemy’s attempts to sow doubt. Though Abraham wasn’t without mistakes along the way, he pressed forward, learning and growing after each fall. A strong Christian honors God by staying grounded in faith, showing others the strength that comes from a life built on trust in Him.
4. Being Fully Persuaded of God’s Power
“And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” – Romans 4:21
Abraham was “fully persuaded” that God could fulfill His promise. He had complete confidence in God’s power. A strong Christian lives with assurance, knowing that what God has said, He will do. This full persuasion acts as a shield, blocking out fear and worry. Ephesians 6:16 calls this the “shield of faith,” which helps us extinguish all the fiery darts of doubt and fear the enemy throws at us. When we’re fully persuaded that God is able, we can face life’s uncertainties with a calm and unwavering heart.
Abraham’s faith shows us what it means to be strong in the Lord. He didn’t ignore reality; he simply chose to put more weight on God’s Word than on what he saw. As Christians, we are often faced with situations that challenge our faith. But by following Abraham’s example, we can develop a strength in faith that doesn’t waver, even when life seems impossible.
Just as Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness, God honors those who stand firm and believe in His promises. Let us strive to be strong Christians, fully persuaded that what God has promised, He is able to perform.
