“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see…And without faith it is impossible to please God…” Hebrews 11:1, 6
What pleases God is to see you and me in every situation, bowing ourselves out and bowing Him in, and saying, “God, I believe exactly what you have told me. Apart from you I am nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing, for the only way I can please you is by faith.”
God brings us to the conviction that the Word of God is true, but then He waits until we respond with the obedience of faith.
It is true that our faith is created, cherished, and nourished by God himself. “For faith comes by hearing the message and the message is heard through the Word of God.” Romans 10:17
However, our faith is inoperative until we yield our obedience of faith that pleases God which He has produced through His Word.
So, we mix God’s Word with the obedience of faith, then He moves into action and demonstrates the glorious truth of His Word; otherwise we are like those disobedient ones described in Hebrews 4:2…“For we also have had the gospel preached to us just as they did: but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.”
Now without faith, you cannot do what only Christ can do. With faith, you allow Christ to do through you what only He can do. Paul said “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
In Colossians 1:29 Paul says “To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy which so powerfully works in me.”
Now please ponder this absolute truth, and never forget this one major point. Our obedience does not change God’s view of us; Jesus changed God’s view of us.
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world and this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.” I John 5:3, 4
Remember, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith-and this not from yourselves. It is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one boasts.” Ephesians 2:8, 9
Romans 1:17 reminds us that “the righteous shall live by faith.” Well, there it is. Obedience of faith…that pleases God.
I thank and praise God every day for your prayers and financial support as you partner with Growing in Grace for the glory of God. You’re the best! Thank you for your faithfulness.