Picture this: A young missionary, barely in his 40s, lying on his deathbed in a foreign land. He’s given his life to serve God, preaching the gospel in far-flung corners of the world.
Now, as he faces his final moments, Jesus Himself appears at the foot of his bed, arms outstretched, ready to heal. But something unexpected happens.
The missionary, despite sensing the Lord’s presence, draws back. “I can’t,” he whispers, “I just can’t receive my healing.”
This story, shared by the late Kenneth E. Hagin, illustrates a profound truth about faith and its crucial role in our relationship with God.
It’s not just about believing that God exists; it’s about trusting in His goodness and willingness to bless us. This is the kind of faith that pleases God.
Introduction: Understanding Faith That Pleases God
Faith is more than a passive belief or a wishful thought. It’s an active trust that moves us to action. The Bible defines faith as:
“…the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
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This faith is the foundation of our Christian walk and the key to pleasing God.
But what does it mean to have faith that pleases God? How can we cultivate this kind of faith in our daily lives?
Let’s dive deeper into this topic and explore how we can develop a faith that not only pleases God but also transforms our lives.
What is Faith?
The Biblical Definition of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) gives us the classic definition of faith:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
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This verse tells us that faith is not just a vague feeling or a blind leap into the unknown. It’s a confident assurance and a firm conviction in God’s promises.
Faith vs. Hope: Understanding the Difference
In modern usage, we often use “hope” to mean a mere wish or desire. But in the Bible, hope carries a much stronger meaning. It’s a confident expectation based on God’s promises.
Faith is the foundation for this biblical hope. When we have faith, we have a solid ground for expecting God’s promises to be fulfilled in our lives.
Faith in Action: Living Out Our Beliefs
Demonstrating Faith in Daily Life
Faith isn’t just something we claim to have; it’s something we live out every day. James 2:17 (NKJV) tells us:
“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
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This means our faith should be evident in our actions, decisions, and lifestyles.
Faith as the Driving Force
Faith should be the driving force behind our prayers, our giving, and our obedience to God. When we pray in faith, we don’t just hope God might hear us; we believe He does hear and will answer.
When we give in faith, we trust God to provide for our needs. When we obey God’s commands in faith, we trust that His ways are best for us.
The Impossibility of Pleasing God Without Faith
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) states:
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
biblegateway.com
This verse underscores the critical importance of faith in our relationship with God. It’s not just a nice addition to our Christian life; it’s an absolute necessity.
The Rewards of Faith
God as a Rewarder
One of the most encouraging aspects of faith is the promise that God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
This doesn’t mean God is like a cosmic vending machine, giving us whatever we want.
Rather, it means that when we earnestly seek God, He responds to our faith with His blessings and presence.
Opening the Door to God’s Blessings
Faith opens the door to experiencing God’s blessings in our lives. These blessings might be material, but they’re often spiritual – peace, joy, wisdom, and a deeper relationship with God.
When we walk in faith, we position ourselves to receive all that God has for us.
The Fulfillment of God’s Promises
God’s promises are activated by our faith. Whether it’s healing, provision, guidance, or any other promise in God’s Word, our faith is the key that unlocks these promises in our lives.
Examples of Faith That Pleased God
Enoch: Walking with God
Hebrews 11:5 (NIV) tells us:
“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: ‘He could not be found, because God had taken him away.’ For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”
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Enoch’s faith was so strong that he walked in close fellowship with God and was ultimately taken directly to heaven without experiencing death.
Abraham: Stepping Out in Faith
Abraham is often called the father of faith. When God called him to leave his homeland and go to an unknown place, Abraham obeyed.
His faith led him to trust God’s promises, even when they seemed impossible.
Noah: Building in Faith
Noah spent years building an ark on dry land, trusting God’s warning about a coming flood. His faith led him to obey God, even when it didn’t make sense to those around him.
Cultivating Faith That Pleases God
Studying God’s Word
Romans 10:17 (ESV) tells us:
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
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The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the more our faith grows.
Practicing Trust in Daily Life
We can cultivate faith by practicing trust in God in our daily lives. This might mean stepping out to obey God’s leading, even when it’s uncomfortable or doesn’t make sense to our natural understanding.
Surrounding Ourselves with Faith-Filled People
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to meet together and spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Being around other believers who are walking in faith can encourage and strengthen our own faith.
Key Takeaways
- Faith that pleases God is more than just belief; it’s active trust in God’s goodness and willingness to bless us.
- Without faith, it’s impossible to please God.
- Faith is demonstrated through our actions, not just our words.
- God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
- We can cultivate faith by studying God’s Word, practicing trust, and surrounding ourselves with faith-filled people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, faith that pleases God is not just a mental assent to His existence, but a deep trust in His character and promises. It’s a faith that moves us to action, shapes our daily lives, and positions us to receive all that God has for us.
As we cultivate this kind of faith, we’ll find ourselves drawing closer to God and experiencing the fullness of life He intends for us.
Remember:
“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
biblegateway.com
Let’s commit to growing in this kind of faith, trusting that as we do, we’ll be pleasing the heart of our loving Father.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does it mean to have faith that pleases God?
A. Having faith that pleases God means not only believing that He exists but also trusting in His goodness and willingness to bless those who earnestly seek Him.
It’s an active faith that leads to obedience and impacts our daily lives.
Q. How can I increase my faith?
A. You can increase your faith by regularly reading and meditating on God’s Word, practicing trust in your daily life, surrounding yourself with faith-filled people, and stepping out in obedience to God’s leading.
Q. Is it possible to please God without faith?
A. According to Hebrews 11:6, it’s impossible to please God without faith. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God and our ability to receive from Him.
Q. What’s the difference between faith and hope?
A. In biblical terms, faith is the confident assurance in God’s promises, while hope is the expectation that these promises will be fulfilled. Faith provides the foundation for hope.
Q. How does faith impact our daily lives?
A. Faith impacts our daily lives by influencing our decisions, attitudes, and actions. It gives us peace in difficult times, courage to step out in obedience to God, and confidence in God’s promises for our lives.
