Definition: (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 4:17. It's a really significant passage about God’s power and how He can bring life back to people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God believes in you and gives you the ability to create and influence others. It’s not just about creating new families, but about giving someone the potential to become a father or mother – a leader. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “As it is written…” : This tells us this isn’t just a random passage; it’s a message from the past. “…I have made thee a father of many nations…” : This means that God has given you the potential to create and guide others. It's not about creating a specific family right now, but about giving you the capacity to influence people in the future. Think of it like planting a seed – it doesn’t happen immediately, but it has the potential to grow into something amazing. “…before him whom he believed…” : This is crucial! “He believed” refers to God. It means that God already trusted you, even before you were born. God's belief in you is a foundation for everything that follows. "...who quickeneth the dead..." : This part emphasizes God’s power - He has the ability to bring life back to what was lost or dead. It’s like a miracle – He can restore something from being lifeless. "...and calleth those things which be not as though they were." : This is where it gets really profound. “Those things which are not as though they were” refers to people, families, or even communities. It suggests that God doesn’t just create things perfectly , but gives them the potential to grow and flourish. He can make things appear stronger and more significant than they truly are – like a seed growing into a mighty tree. In essence, this verse speaks to God's active role in bringing life and influence into the world. It’s a reminder that we all have the potential to become something great, and God is actively working to help us achieve that potential. What does it mean for us today? It encourages us to believe in ourselves, to strive for good, and to recognize that we have the ability to make a difference – even if we don't always see the results immediately. It’s about hope and the belief that God is working behind the scenes to bless our lives and the world around us. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this principle applies to our lives?