And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
— Hebrews 11:6
Faith isn't just a side note in the Christian life; it’s really the vital setting that surrounds us all. The author of Hebrews highlights this with a powerful statement: pleasing God isn’t possible without it. And that’s not because God is unpredictable, but because faith is like the "hand of the soul" that reaches out to connect with eternal truths. To get closer to Him, we need to go through two doors of conviction that open our hearts.
The first step we take is believing that He exists. It might seem simple, but it's more than just agreeing intellectually. Even the demons acknowledge God's existence—and they tremble because of it. To "believe that He is" means genuinely trusting in His active presence and holiness. It's like the difference between just knowing a king lives far away in a palace and confidently walking into his throne room because you truly believe he's there for you.
The second step we take is believing He is a Rewarder. Genuine faith genuinely trusts in the goodness of God’s character and what He stands for. It’s important to believe that seeking Him isn’t a waste of time. God is called a "Rewarder," a special title found only here in the New Testament that suggests He faithfully gives what’s owed to those who serve Him. Remember, the greatest reward isn't always about material things or instant results; often, it’s about receiving God Himself—His peace, His presence, and His life-changing guidance—which are treasures beyond measure.
Faith isn't just a blind leap into the unknown; it's a confident step into the bright light. It means moving beyond merely going through the motions of religion to actively trusting in Jesus Christ and His promises every day. So, ask yourself today, Am I seeking God as a religious duty, or am I seeking Him with the expectation that He is good and eager to meet with me?
Heavenly Father, thank you for being a God who is always near and eager to be found. Please help me to trust in Your goodness today. Give me the courage to "jump into the pool" of Your promises, truly believing that You are real, close to me, and take joy in rewarding those who earnestly seek You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Gene
Because Life Begins at Calvary (Romans 6:23)
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