Just Faith!

But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. Hebrews 11:6 AMPC

What is the essence of faith? Why is it so important? I believe its nature makes it so special. It is something not seen, yet seen. It is not something you can touch, yet you can feel it. It manifests in very clear ways, but not in the logical or reasonable sense. Men have lived and died on the strength of what they believed in. Many didn't see the results or benefits of what they held on to, but they considered it so important that it became a matter of life and death to them. Many died without any physical benefit, but we speak of them today as men who pleased God and got enrolled in God's hall of faith.

Abraham was promised seed as many as the sand of the seashore, yet he had only one son by promise. He was promised a land, yet he dwelt and died in that land as a stranger. Forward a few centuries after, and you know how faithful God is to his promises. Faith isn't faith when all it hopes for materialise, but its strength is in holding on when nothing is certain. The definition of faith is seen in the earlier part of today's extract, where it is recorded as the 'assurance of things hoped for' and the 'evidence of things not seen'. How do you explain assurance on something you have not yet held in your hands? How do you testify about something none of your senses can hold on to?

That's the way God works. The moment everything about Him is logical and reasonable, why would he be God? If I can place him in a box and predict with arithmetical accuracy how and when he will react, why would I need him? Fortunately, God isn't your everyday buddy, who exists to make you cosy. He wants to build stamina in me, he wants to build courage, hope and joy in me. He wants to teach me patience and perseverance, virtues that are in short supply but necessary for the journey ahead.

I must hold on to God, trusting he knows the way. I must depend on him daily, because today's challenges are very different from yesterday's. I can't rely on my own strength; I have to depend on the only one who sees ahead, and knows what I require to end well. No wonder today's extract says without faith, a man cannot please God. ALL who will walk and work with God will go through difficult times; success in life and ministry will be dependent on your total dependence on the One who calls, equips, commissions, backs up and support all through life.

Do you believe? Is everything a function of what you know or who you have come to believe? Seek God today; he wants to be a part of your life. He wants to show himself to you. His time of favour is here.