What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[a]

Romans 4:3

We know the Lord loves faith and hates unbelief. When Christ was found in towns with doubt that wouldn’t let him heal, strict warnings were released. But when Abram agreed with the symbolism of promise as stars in the sky, the Lord was pleased. So much so, that He credited it to him as righteousness.

Why did God credit Abraham’s belief as righteousness? Because belief comes with benefits.

Belief, or faith, breaks down the door of the flesh, providing an entryway into sinless living and fruitfulness – because when you choose to believe God, you stop believing yourself. 

With belief comes the beginnings of complete surrender. With belief comes trust. With belief comes honor. With belief comes gentleness, humility and respect for others. Belief in God frees you from the need to prove yourself – because you believe that God will do it. In fact, once it comes to pass, you know God did it… because you didn’t do anything but believe. And somehow, it happened.

When you believe God, He honors your faith with the grace to rest in Him and let Him do it. When you believe God, you stop striving and simply receive. The gospel of Jesus Christ is that we have been saved by grace through faith, not by works so that no one can boast; and sanctification is the same. Our works do not save us – rather, right living is a result of right belief.

In what areas of life are you struggling the most? May I suggest that those might be the greatest areas of unbelief? Pray and ask the Lord to increase your faith, that you may believe. Benefits will come, too.