“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 NLT
Many of the beliefs we have as Christians are foundational beliefs. Without these beliefs, we cannot live out our relationship with God the way He designed it to be. They are principles that define not only what it means to be a Christian, but a child of God.
The foundational belief I want to talk about today is “faith”. Many of us think having faith is merely trusting in God when we don’t know what will happen. In reality, our faith is built on the belief that God will do what He says He will because He has proven it in the past. In Hebrews 11, we read of the numerous examples of people who were blessed because of their faith, people who knew the faith of those that came before them.
If we cannot have faith in God, it displeases Him because He has proven His goodness time and time again. Yet when we do have faith, we see that God blesses it. Faith and blessing are intertwined, deeply connected to one another. Sometimes we “act” our belief in front of others. We do this because we haven’t taken the time to truly examine our faith in God and see the blessings He has given us, and the blessings He has in store.
As a believer, when I encounter these moments, I not only have to ask myself if I merely believe that He exists, but also, “Do I believe that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him? Is He a good God, even if things are going poorly? Do I remember all the times He’s proven His faithfulness to me?” These are essential questions to answer for myself daily, that on the days when the enemy challenges me I can stand firm on the beliefs that God has proven to me for a lifetime.
What do I believe about God? He always rewards those who seek Him, and right now, you are seeking Him. Be encouraged that we don’t have to blindly trust in His goodness, but that we know that it is true! The enemy will attempt to trick you, but we have proof to believe that our God is who He says He is, and He is always good. Stand firm in this truth today.
Prayer
Father, when I lack faith, I know it is because I’ve let the lies of the world and of the enemy discourage me. Restore Your goodness in me. Help me to see the truth of Your faithfulness to Your people. Remind me of the blessings You’ve given me and allow me to see what You know is best for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Extra Reading
“You must not defile the land where you live, for I live there myself. I am the Lord, who lives among the people of Israel.”
Numbers 35:34 NLT
