Faith pleasing to God

Thursday 5 August 2021

Faith pleasing to God

Searching the Scriptures

But faith is the firm assurance of things that we hope for, the demonstration of those that we do not see. It was because of her that the elders received a favorable testimony. Hebrews 11:1-2

What is faith ? It is a strong assurance in achieving what we hope for. This is one way to already have it in advance. To believe is to be absolutely certain of the reality of what you do not see. If the men of old were approved by God, it was because they had that faith.

In 2007, we lived in Troyes. Christophe and I had decided to spend two days in Paris with our three daughters aged 11, 8 and 4. The presidential elections had just taken place and our youngest, Héloïse, had been passionate about the campaign and the elections. As soon as she heard that we were going to Paris, she declared with faith and assurance : "Since we are going to Paris, I am going to see the President of the Republic !" His father and I explained to him that, first, Paris was a very big city and, second, you couldn't approach the president like that. We didn't want her to be disappointed ! But she didn’t give up. She asked the Lord for it. She would see him, that was for sure.

As we walked through the center of Paris, we saw a procession of sedans with tinted windows pass by. Nicolas Sarkozy was in it. He stopped his car, went down to the street and came to greet us all and shake hands with us, not forgetting Heloise ! "So what did I tell you ? I knew I would see it !" she tells us proudly. That day God spoke to us through our daughter's simple faith and we learned a beautiful lesson !

"Without faith it is impossible to be pleasing to God" (Hebrews 11:6). If you don't believe God, you hurt his heart deeply and deprive yourself of his blessings. It’s like you’re telling him : "No, thank you. I don’t think you can. You’re not up to it. I don’t want what you give me."

The Lord honors the faith of those who are simple. Not faith in anything or anyone. Faith in his promises. Faith in his Word. This is why it is important to read the Bible, to study it, to meditate on it, and it is also essential to nurture this relationship of trust and this daily dialogue with God. God speaks to your spirit every day. "Pray without ceasing," says the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

God approves your faith, he is a witness to it and he will praise your confidence loud and clear before his angels and before evil powers. This is why your faith will bring down your enemies and make you victorious.

Listen to the voice of God

Let’s take the time to listen to what God means. Ask God to open the eyes of your heart so that you can see by faith what He has promised you.

Praying is easy. Talk to God as you would your closest friend. God loves you and he can hear everything. Here is an example prayer : "Lord, forgive me for the times I have bruised you by my unbelief. I just want to believe your promises without arguing and be simple as a child. Amen."

Praise God

To praise God is to show him our gratitude. What are your subjects of recognition today ? Take a moment to thank the Lord.

Act today

Now dig deeper into what you have received. What can you do to apply what God has told you ? Write down the concrete actions you can take.

Honor the Lord

Our route for the day ends. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"Lord, I thank you because you honor the faith of the simple. Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, amen !"

Solange Raby

Source (The Thought of the Day)