When The Door Slams
Now faith is the substance if things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:1,6
Your relationship with God is largely determined by your faith. When you come to Him, you must believe that He exists and that He is exactly who He has revealed Himself to be in Scriptures. You must also believe that He will respond to you when you earnestly seek Him.
Without this kind of faith, you cannot please God. Regardless of the ethical values of your life, the good works you perform, the words you speak, or the sacrifices you make for His sake, if you do not have faith, you will not please and you have nothing of God. It can be tempting to substitute religious activity for faith in God. Christians may claim they are being "good stewards" of their resources when, in fact, they are wanting to walk by sight rather than by faith (Heb. 11:1). They may refuse to do what God tells them unless they can see all the resources in place first.
You may say, "I love God, but I just have difficulty trusting and obeying God ." Then you are not pleasing to Him. You cannot struggle at the core of your relationship with God and still enjoy a vibrant fellowship with Him! Faith does not eliminate problems. Faith keeps you in a trusting relationship with God in the midst of your problems. Faith has to do with your relationship with God, not your circumstances. Some may say, "I am not much of a person of faith. I am more of a practical person!" Yet you will never do anything more practical than to place your trust in the Lord God! Nothing is more secure or certain than that which you entrust to God. Trust and obey.
Trust in the Lord your God and you will be established; believe in His prophets and you will prosper (2 Chronicles 20:20). I was washed, I was sanctified, I was justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11). Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore let us be steadfast, immovable, abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Never Rest Ministries
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