IT’S POSSIBLE
Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
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.
This is such a great chapter. Some refer to chapter eleven as the heroes of faith. I have also heard it called the hall of fame of faith. But the whole chapter is talking about people who had faith in God. And what makes this chapter so vital is not only that it lists the people who pleased God with faith, but also that it tells us what faith looks like in real life.
For example, we see that Abel offered a better sacrifice to God by faith. That Noah was warned by God and, by faith, prepared an ark for the saving of his household (one of my favorite verses). By faith, Abraham obeyed God and left his familiar surroundings. By faith, Sarah received strength to have a baby. So faith gives offerings to God. Faith prepares. Faith obeys and faith receives strength. You can go through the entire chapter and see what faith looks like in the lives of these Old Testament saints. The good news being that faith still looks the same way today. Our faith gives offerings, prepares ahead of time, obeys, and receives strength.
Our verse for today makes a bold declaration that without faith it is impossible to please God. We don’t often see the word impossible connected to God, but the wording is accurate. To come to God, one must believe that He exists, that He is real. We cannot see God with our physical eyes, but we can believe that He is. We believe that He is because of what we see in the world around us and what we see in His Word. The beauty and precision of our world and universe witness to our hearts that there is a God. And His Word gives us insight as to who He is and how He operates. I feel for the people who shake their fist at God and demand that He prove Himself to them. It isn’t going to happen. God is, at times, very merciful and makes Himself known in rare cases. But that is not the norm. There is a sensing in the heart of man that God is real. Many squelch that sensing and never come to know Him. But anyone who is hungry and looking for God, they can find Him. Seek and you will find are the words of Jesus.
Not only do we believe He exists, but by faith we believe He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. So we are to believe that not only is God real, but that God is good and a rewarder of those who seek Him. For some reason, this is an area we need to constantly remind ourselves of. Many believe God is real, that He created the heavens and the earth. But a smaller number believe He rewards those who seek Him. By faith, not feelings or seeing, we believe that if we will look for God in our lives, He will reward us. How does He reward? I don’t know all the ways, but I can think of His peace, provision, protection, and presence. I am very confident of this. God’s rewards are better than anything this world or people can offer. And the more I believe that, the more I am resolved to seek God.
God wants His creation to believe in Him. And He wants His creation to know He is amazingly good. But without faith, they will not know. This is why we preach and teach God’s Word. Faith comes as we hear, and with faith, it is possible to please God.
PRAYER
Father God, I believe in You. You are real, and You are good. I believe You will reward me as I continue to seek You and look for You in my life. I am glad to know it’s possible to be pleasing to You!