”And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6New International Version (NIV)
Hebrews 11:6 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
The Faith that Pleases God
Hebrews 11:6 states that the “faith that pleases God“, has two (2) components: believing that God exists and He rewards those who seek Him. That is, belief and reward.
What is faith?
But what is faith? Hebrews 11:1 states that “faith is confidence [foundation] in what we hope for and assurance [evidence or proof] about what we do not see.” And it’s no wonder that faith deals with the things that are supernatural. These are things that cannot be seen with our naked eyes – faith enables us to receive the evidence that they exist.
Faith starts by believing that God exists
Therefore, faith starts with believing that God exists (Psalm 19:1) and rewards those who seek Him (Romans 4:20-21 and Proverbs 3:5-6). Faith is believing (with your heart) when you cannot see that which you hope for (Hebrews 11:1). And knowing that God will reward you when you seek Him. That is, God is real. He exists.
Since He exists, then He is able to reward those who seek Him. He does this through tangible blessings.
The faith that pleases God is active
Therefore, the faith that pleases God is active. It is not passive given that it involves:
- giving your best (Hebrews 11:4);
- obeying instructions that you may not understand (Hebrews 11:7-8);
- persevering, especially when you face the odds (Hebrews 11:27);
- thanking God in advance (before receiving from Him) (Hebrews 11:30);
- trusting God when you have not received from Him (Hebrews 11:39).
Consequently, in Hebrews 11, as we learn about the faith of the Old Testament heroes, we realize that they placed their whole confidence in God. That is, they entrusted themselves to His hands – they depended on Him totally. And the actions and accomplishments of these men and women prove that faith pleases God, and He rewards those who seek Him.
Prayer/Blessing
Lord, I want to please you with my faith. I, therefore, ask that you grow my faith according to Your Word (Romans 10:17). I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Ezra 8-9 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
