Faith is the heartbeat of a life devoted to God. It is not just a belief in His existence but a profound trust that shapes how we live, love, and persevere. Hebrews 11:6 gently reminds us that faith is indispensable in our relationship with God. It is through faith that we draw near to Him, find purpose in our challenges, and experience the beauty of His promises.
Hebrews 11:6 King James Version
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Understanding Faith as a Journey
Faith is often misunderstood as a static concept—something you either have or don’t. But in reality, faith is a journey. It grows, deepens, and matures as we walk with God. The writer of Hebrews describes faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). This confidence isn’t blind optimism; it’s rooted in the character of God—His goodness, faithfulness, and unchanging nature.
Faith is not without its struggles. Like the father in Mark 9:24 who cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” we too may wrestle with doubts. Yet even these moments are opportunities for growth. Faith does not demand perfection; it invites persistence.
Why Faith Pleases God
Hebrews 11:6 reveals two key aspects of faith that please God:
- Believing He Exists: Faith begins with acknowledging that God is real—not just as an abstract idea but as the living Creator who desires a relationship with us.
- Trusting His Rewards: Faith also involves trusting that God rewards those who seek Him earnestly. These rewards are not always material but often spiritual—peace during trials, joy in His presence, and the assurance of eternal life.
Faith pleases God because it reflects our dependence on Him rather than ourselves. It’s an act of surrender, saying, “Lord, I trust You even when I don’t understand.”
Living by Faith in Everyday Life
Living by faith is more than a Sunday morning experience; it’s a daily commitment to trust God in every area of life. Here are some ways to live by faith:
- Seek God Daily: Spend time in prayer and Scripture. Let His Word guide your thoughts and decisions (Psalm 119:105).
- Act on Your Beliefs: James 2:17 reminds us that “faith by itself if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Let your faith inspire acts of kindness, generosity, and courage.
- Trust Through Trials: Life’s challenges can test our faith, but they also refine it. Remember Romans 8:28—that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
- Reflect on His Faithfulness: Look back on how God has been faithful in your life. These memories can strengthen your trust in Him for the future.
Faith in Action: A Personal Story
Consider the story of Matthew Gitau (from C.S. Lewis Institute), who found Christ during one of the darkest periods of his life. Struggling with unemployment and family illness, he decided to give his life to Jesus—not as an addition to his plans but as the centre of his existence. This decision transformed his perspective and gave him peace amidst uncertainty. Like Matthew, living by faith means restructuring our lives around God’s promises rather than our circumstances.
Encouragement for Those Struggling with Faith
If you’re struggling with doubt or fear today, take heart—God meets us where we are. The Bible is full of stories of imperfect people whose faith pleased God—not because they never doubted but because they persevered. Noah built an ark despite ridicule; Abraham trusted God for a son despite his old age; Moses led Israel through the wilderness despite feeling inadequate.
Faith doesn’t eliminate struggles—it gives us strength to face them with hope. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “We live by faith, not by sight.” This means trusting what we cannot see—God’s eternal perspective—even when life feels uncertain.
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Quote of the Day: “Don’t set limits on your dreams. Have faith”
A Prayer for Living by Faith
Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us into a relationship built on trust and love. Help us to live by faith each day—trusting Your promises even when we don’t see the full picture. Strengthen our hearts when doubt creeps in and remind us of Your faithfulness through every season of life. May our lives reflect a deep confidence in You and inspire others to seek You earnestly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Psalms 21 King James Version
1 The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
2 Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.
3 For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.
4 He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.
5 His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.
6 For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.
7 For the king trusteth in the Lord, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.
8 Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.
9 Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the Lord shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.
10 Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.
11 For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.
12 Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.
13 Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.
