Christians often read, memorize and quote Hebrews 11:6– “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” The writer of Hebrews emphasizes faith as the operative word. Faith activates the other elements of this verse—a belief in God’s existence; and a dogged determination and perseverance to follow Him at all cost.
Faith relies on and trusts in the unseen Almighty God and his promises. This belief is lived out through the tangible actions of believers. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” as Hebrews 1:1states. It is central to the Bible itself and it is central to the sacrificial death of Jesus for the salvation of humankind.
Faith pleases God as noted in verse 6. Genesis notes that Abraham, the father of faith, pleased God. Abraham believed in God’s existence and out of obedience, he left his native country of Haran to go to Canaan, the Promised Land. When God told Abraham that he and Sarah would have a son in their old age, Abraham believed that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek after.
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews highlights several others who pleased God by their faith. Verse 7 notes that Noah believed in God’s existence and obeyed God when he told him to build an ark to save his family. Joseph, in verse 22, prophetically spoke of the Israelites exodus and freedom from Egypt. Moses’ parents saw that Moses was “no ordinary child” and defied the king’s edict by hiding Moses for three this. (Verse 23) by faith, the Israelites, led by Moses, passed through the Red Sea on dry land. By faith, the army of Israel marched around Jericho and the walls fell. (Verse 30)
Faith is the catalyst for believers to please God. Through faith we exercise our spiritual muscles and grow in the things of the Lord.
Be blessed.
Spiritual References:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
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