Death is Not an Obstacle

Romans 4:19-21 “Without becoming weak in faith he (Abraham) contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.”

Death is a horrible word. Just the mere utterance of this one syllable grips even the most courageous of hearts with a deep feeling of panic. Death spells the end of something precious. Whether it be the life of a loved one, the loss of a dream, the end of a relationship, or the waste of an opportunity, the death bell tolls a finality of something that can never be recovered.

Abraham could have felt this sinking feeling. God had promised that he and his wife Sarah would have a son. But as the passing of time took a toll on their bodies, the death of a dream hung in the air. Who would have blamed Abraham for giving up hope, burying his heart’s desire for a child, and sinking into despair at the impossibility of the promise’s being fulfilled?

But Abraham believed God. He refused to become weak in faith even as he considered his own hundred year old wrinkled body and Sarah’s sagging flesh and menopausal womb. He trusted that God would keep His promise and believed that death was not an obstacle. He did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God. He was fully assured that what God had promised, He was able to perform. 

What an inspiring example of how to respond when faced with the death of something we have hoped for. God promises us that He will work all things together for good to those who love Him and are the  called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). He can open doors that seem to be forever closed. He can make a path through a deep and frigid sea. He can win battles where the enemy is overwhelming and vicious. He can bring life where death looms large and foreboding. Why? Because death is not an obstacle for our almighty and powerful God!

Death. There is no need for this word to cause a child of God fear. He has conquered this enemy and taken away its sting.
When in life you have opportunity to consider circumstances that seem impossible, refuse to become weak in faith.  Respond as Abraham did. Cling to God’s precious promises. Give Him glory and rest assured that what God has promised He is able to perform – because with Him death is not an obstacle!