Imperfect Faith (Sermon Blog)
Last week in our When In Romans series, we unpacked a crucial truth from Romans 3:28:
“So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.”
It was a radical idea for Paul’s first-century listeners — and, if we’re honest, it can still be a tough one for many of us today. We naturally want to earn our way into God’s good graces through good behavior, but scripture reminds us over and over that it’s faith, not flawless performance, that brings us into right standing with God.
This week, we turn to Romans 4 and the story of Abraham to see how imperfect, sometimes wavering, but enduring faith still moves the heart of God.
Waiting on God’s Promises
Have you ever felt like you were in a hurry — but God wasn’t? That’s the story of Abraham. At 75 years old, living comfortably in modern-day Iraq, God called him to pack up everything and go… without a destination. To make it even more impossible, God promised that Abraham, who was childless at 75 and married to Sarah, who was 65, would become the father of many nations.
Romans 4:3 reminds us:
“Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
But here’s the key — it didn’t happen overnight. Abraham waited 25 years before that promise came to pass. Along the way, there were doubts, mistakes, and moments where faith was far from perfect.
What Do We Do While We Wait?
So what can we learn from Abraham’s story when we’re in a season of waiting?
1️⃣ Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t.
Instead of demanding immediate results, Abraham moved in obedience. He took the next step God showed him, even if the big promise was still out of reach.
Romans 4:18 says:
“Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping.”
2️⃣ Believe the promises — even when you don’t see it.
God’s Word is full of promises — over 3,500 of them. But you’ll only discover them if you read it. One to cling to in seasons of anxiety is Isaiah 26:3:
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.”
God sometimes gives personal promises too, but hearing them requires time, stillness, and space for God to speak.
3️⃣ Remember: Imperfect faith is still faith.
Abraham made mistakes. Big ones. At one point, trying to help God out, he fathered a child through Sarah’s servant, creating generations of conflict.
Yet Romans 4:20–21 declares:
“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise… His faith grew stronger.”
This doesn’t mean Abraham never had doubts or bad days. It means that in the end, his faith endured — and God saw that.
Your Story Isn’t Over Yet
The beautiful takeaway from this chapter is that God doesn’t define us by our worst moments or our wavering faith. He looks at the end result.
Romans 4:23–24 reminds us:
“And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit too.”
If you’re in a waiting season today — waiting for healing, for provision, for reconciliation, for direction — remember Abraham’s story. Keep moving forward in faith, claim God’s promises, and offer Him your imperfect, honest, real faith. That’s the kind of faith God blesses.
Don’t Miss Part 5!
Join us this Sunday at Pacific Life Church as we continue our When In Romans series. You won’t want to miss Part 5 as we dig even deeper into the transforming power of faith!