Calling things that are not as if they are ...

Our Scripture for meditation this morning is :
Rom 4:17  according as it has been written, "I have appointed you a father of many nations;" before God, whom he believed, the One making the dead live, and calling the things that are not as if they were. Gen. 17:5 ( cross-refer ).

The background to this verse is the promise by God to Abram that God was going to begin a new thing with him. This new thing is that Abram - at that time, childless - was going to father many nations. God has this manner of beginning a new great work with an awesome miracle. In this case, God was going to enable a childless couple to bear many nations.

The portion of the verse of choice this morning is "calling the things that are not as if they were".

Upon deeper reflection, this verse is not all together new as we see this dynamic in the very first verses of Genesis. Out of nothing - ex-nihilo - God brought about the universe. And it was good!

Now how does this principle help us modern day and post-modern day people? How does it help the busy mother at home, or the busy executive in the workplace? How does it help the beleaguered politician, and the stressed out medical professional?

For me, there are several principles which this verse brings to mind:

1. The place of prayer
This "calling things that are not" is born and bred in the place of prayer. The hour of prayer, or the moment of prayer is a place of darkness and struggle. A struggle of our finite minds and body's frailities against the infinite grace of a great God. And as we meditate upon this great and awesome God through His promises contained in His word, we find the stirrings of creation. In this place of prayer, God brings to birth His plans through us.

2. This calling
This "calling things that are not" is a calling of prayer. Prayer is more than petition. Prayer is also calling forth that which God desires to bring to birth in our lives, and in our generation. What an enormous opportunity and privilege. We can call forth salvation of souls, and we can call forth for God's mercies and grace for the ones we love. We can call forth for God's intervention in every single circumstance of our lives.

3. This calling things that are not as if they are
This portion is strikingly reminiscent of Mark 11:24, "Therefore I say to you, All things, whatever you ask, praying, believe that you will receive, and it will be to you." This part says we need to simply believe and assume that that which we have called for is already existent. This calls for faith, and not presumptuousness. And this presumptuousness is dealt with as we wait upon God in prayer in order that we do not call merely our wishes and desires, but what God has placed upon our hearts to call.

So how for application?

Here are some examples ...

a. I will call for His kingdom to come in my home and workplace, for His will to be done in my home and workplace, as it is in heaven. "Lord, let justice, mercy and truth be evident in my home, and in my workplace".
b. Lord, let Your righteousness be manifested in my nation.
c. Let Your will be done where my daughters' choice of life-partners are concerned.
d. Let me indeed be the head and top.

And it is left to you and the Holy Spirit to work these principles into application in your life.

May the Lord shower you with His favor.