Please God by Faith

Abel, Enoch, and Noah each "obtained a good testimony" (Heb. 11:2) by their faith. Of Enoch, in particular, it was said "that he pleased God" (v. 5b). Whether we are worshiping God, walking with God, or working for God, our motivating factor must be faith, because without faith there is nothing we can do that pleases God.

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is" (v. 6a). The faith that pleases God starts from conviction "that He is." It all begins by settling in your own mind that you do "believe that He exists" (NIV). Believing that the true God exists, pleases Him and is the first step of faith which leads to full saving faith when you follow through on that belief.

The faith that pleases God includes confidence "that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (v. 6b). We must believe that He is moral and just, and that He will reward faith. We must believe that He is personal, loving, and gracious to those who seek Him. When you join belief in God, "the evidence of things not seen" (v. 1b), with confidence in a personal, loving, gracious, rewarding God, "the substance of things hoped for" (v. 1a), you have faith, true saving faith—faith that leads to a changed life, a life patterned after Jesus.

If you are of the belief that we cannot know God, you are wrong. We can know God in a very personal way. It all comes down to faith. It all comes down to trust. To believe in God and to trust Him by faith in Jesus for your salvation is the key. And when you trust in Jesus, your life will be changed, you will begin to live for God by your faith. And that is when God is pleased, when we place our whole faith in Him and live for Him, seeking to please only Him by our faith.

God said, "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jer. 29:13). And Jesus added: "For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it shall be opened" (Luke 11:10).

Not only must we believe that He is, but we must also believe that He rewards those who seek Him. When we truly seek Him we will find Him, and He will both save us and change us. That is the reward He gives us—salvation. And it is all because of our faith.

Jesus said, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you" (Matt. 6:33). In other words, every good thing that God has, including eternal life, is the reward for faith. Just trust Him and walk with Him.

God's greatest truths are known only by simple faith. The person of faith knows the truth. Faith is the only way to God. Trust God by faith. Live for God by faith. And you will please God by faith. Amen.