Faith is Essential

Hebrews 11:6 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.” This verse highlights the importance of faith in our relationship with God. In this blog, we will explore what it means to have faith and how it is the essence of pleasing God.

What is faith? Faith is a belief or trust in something that is not seen or proven. In the context of our relationship with God, faith means believing in Him even though we cannot see Him. It means trusting that He is who He says He is, and that His promises are true.

Why is faith important? Faith is essential to our relationship with God because it is the foundation of our salvation. In Ephesians 2:8-9, it says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.” Our salvation is a gift from God, and we receive it through faith in Him.

In addition to being the foundation of our salvation, faith is also necessary for us to please God. Hebrews 11:6 states that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” This means that no matter how good our deeds may be, they will not please God if they are not done in faith. Our faith is what makes our actions pleasing to Him.

So, how can we have faith? The Bible tells us that faith comes from hearing the Word of God. In Romans 10:17, it says, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” By reading and studying the Bible, we can deepen our faith and trust in God.

Another way to grow in faith is through prayer. In Mark 9:24, a man asks Jesus to heal his son, and he says, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” This shows us that even when we have faith, we may still struggle with doubts and fears. By praying and asking God to help us overcome our doubts, we can strengthen our faith and trust in Him.

Faith is the essence of pleasing God. It is the foundation of our salvation, and it is necessary for our actions to be pleasing to Him. We can grow in faith by reading and studying the Bible and through prayer. Let us strive to have faith like the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, who trusted in God despite the difficulties they faced. May our faith be pleasing to God, and may He reward us as we earnestly seek Him. Here are examples of heroes of faith who trusted God :

1. Abraham: Abraham is known as the father of faith, as he was willing to leave his home and his family to follow God’s call. In Genesis 15:6, it says, “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Abraham’s faith in God’s promises was so strong that he was willing to offer his own son Isaac as a sacrifice, trusting that God would provide another way.
2. Moses: Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Despite his doubts and fears, Moses trusted in God’s plan and obeyed His commands. In Hebrews 11:27, it says, “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.” Moses’ faith allowed him to persevere through many trials and challenges.
3. David: David was a man after God’s own heart, known for his courage and devotion to God. In 1 Samuel 17, he faced the giant Goliath with only a sling and a stone, trusting in God’s power to deliver him. In Psalm 23, David expresses his trust in God as his shepherd, saying, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
4. Rahab: Rahab was a prostitute living in Jericho when the Israelites arrived to conquer the city. Despite her past, Rahab recognized the power of the Israelites’ God and helped them escape from the city. In Joshua 2:11, she says, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us.” Rahab’s faith in God’s power led her to risk her life to help His people.

These are just a few examples of people in the Bible who pleased God with their faith. Their stories inspire us to trust in God’s promises and to obey His commands, even in the face of difficulties and challenges. If you want to please God with your faith, here are some ways you can do so:

1. Trust in God’s promises: The Bible is full of promises from God, such as Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” When we trust in these promises, even in difficult circumstances, we show our faith in God’s faithfulness.
2. Obey God’s commands: In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” When we obey God’s commands, we demonstrate our love for Him and our faith in His wisdom and goodness.
3. Share the gospel: In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. When we share the gospel with others, we show our faith in God’s power to save and transform lives.
4. Serve others: In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” When we serve others, especially those who are marginalized or in need, we show our faith in God’s love and compassion for all people.
5. Persevere through trials: In James 1:2-4, it says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” When we persevere through difficult times, we show our faith in God’s strength and guidance.

Remember, faith is not just a feeling or a belief, but a lived-out action. As you trust in God’s promises, obey His commands, share the gospel, serve others, and persevere through trials, you will please God with your faith. May you be encouraged to continue growing in faith and to live a life that brings glory to God.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come to you today on behalf of all those who are reading this prayer. I pray that you would strengthen their faith and help them to trust in your promises more deeply. I ask that you would give them wisdom and guidance as they seek to obey your commands and to share the gospel with others.

Lord, I also pray that you would give them a heart of service, that they may love others as you have loved them. Let them be filled with compassion for those who are in need, and may they use their gifts and talents to serve others in your name.

I pray that you would help them to persevere through trials, knowing that you are with them and that you will never leave them nor forsake them. May they find Faith, hope and strength in your presence, and may they be a light to those around them.

Thank you for your love and faithfulness, Lord. I pray that you would bless all those who are reading this prayer and help them to live a life that brings glory to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

QUESTION?
DO YOU WISH TO ACCEPT JESUS AS YOUR LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR? IF SO, PRAY THIS PRAYER:
Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I know I cannot save myself. I believe Jesus died for me and was raised for me, in order to save me.
I repent of all the sins that I have done, and I ask you to forgive me of all my sins. Help me to forsake all my sinful ways from this day henceforth.
Wash me in your blood and transform me by the renewing of my mind. Make my life a testimony to those who know me, in Jesus name, Amen.

If you are sincere in praying this prayer, you are now saved and you need to ensure you do not go back into sin. Please find a Bible-Believing Church and let the leaders know you are now saved and they will help you further. God bless you as you take this journey of faith.