Understanding Faith and God’s Promises in Everyday Language
Have you ever heard someone say, “Call those things that are not as though they were,” and wondered what it actually means? It can sound mysterious or even confusing, but at its core, this phrase is about having faith and trusting in God’s promises—even when you can’t see them yet.
Biblical Roots: Where Does This Idea Come From?
This phrase comes from the Bible, specifically Romans 4:17. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is talking about Abraham, a man famous for his faith. Paul describes how God “calls things that are not as though they were.” In simple terms, this means God can speak things into existence, even if they don’t yet exist in the natural world.
God’s Creative Power: Making Something Out of Nothing
According to the Bible, God is able to create things just by speaking. For example, in the story of creation, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. This power is highlighted again in Romans, where it says God “gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” It’s about God’s ability to make the impossible possible.
Faith and Speaking: What Does It Mean for Us?
But this isn’t just about what God can do. The idea is that people who trust in God can also use their words to express faith. Instead of saying, “This will never happen,” someone might say, “I believe God will provide,” even when there’s no sign of it yet. It’s not pretending or wishful thinking—it’s about speaking in line with what you believe God has promised.
Example: Abraham’s Story
A great example from the Bible is Abraham. God promised Abraham that he would become “the father of many nations.” At the time, Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were very old and had no children at all. Still, God changed his name from Abram (“exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of many nations”) before he even had one child. By calling Abraham by this new name, God was speaking of something that hadn’t happened yet as if it had already come true.
Not Delusion—But Faith in Action
Some people might think this principle is about “faking it” or making up things that aren’t real. That’s not the point. Instead, it’s about lining up your words with what God has said in the Bible—His promises and His plans. It’s an act of confidence, not denial. You’re not ignoring reality; you’re choosing to focus on God’s ability to change your circumstances.
How Does This Look in Real Life?
· Someone waiting for a job might say, “God will open the right door for me,” instead of “I’ll never get hired.”
· A person struggling with illness might declare, “I believe God is bringing healing,” even if they’re still waiting for improvement.
· A family hoping for reconciliation can say, “We trust God will restore our relationships,” even if things look hopeless right now.
Activating Faith: Why Speak This Way?
When you speak about God’s promises as if they’re already on their way, you’re putting your faith into action. It doesn’t mean the answer will come instantly, but it helps you stay hopeful and focused on what God can do. It’s about trusting God’s timing and power more than your own abilities or what you see right now.
In Summary
“Calling those things that are not as though they were” means trusting in God’s promises and speaking words of faith, even before you see the results. It’s not about pretending or making up stories—it’s about believing that God can bring good things into your life, even when they seem impossible. By doing this, you’re aligning your hopes and your words with God’s will, and opening yourself up to experience His faithfulness in your life.
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