contrary to hope

Romans 4:18
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became a father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be."

Contrary to hope means hopeless in the natural situation.... Abraham was 99years old.... can God's promise still come to pass for him? why would a loving God give a promise and allow such a situation? I believe GOd wants to encourage believers that Abraham who was the father of our faith had to believe in situation that in the natural which seem hopeless.... God gave the promise to be the heir of the world so that we can trust in it by faith for hope.... the promise is still the same despite of situation... we as believers must believe in good and bad times...in hopeful times and times that is contrary to hope....

Romans 4:13
For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham, or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 4:20
He(Abraham) did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to performed.

The best part is... God's promise always came true... and in the right time... Sarah conceived and Abraham had a child..... the same would happen for you... keep believing in His promises....