Day 12

“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 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.” — HEBREWS 11:5-6

Many Christians have a lurking sense that we need to earn God’s approval. We need to dot our doctrinal ‘i’s’ and cross our doctrinal ‘t’s’ before He’ll work in us and bless us. Hebrews 11:6 paints a different picture. The writer tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God, so the reverse is also true. With faith it is impossible not to please God.     

Faith sees beyond character. In fact, faith is actually more important than character. Certainly we need to grow in character and godliness, but we also need to give as much attention to our faith. Are we fully trusting God in every aspect of our lives? When God writes biographies, He writes them differently than we would, because He sees us differently than others do. He doesn’t look at outward appearances. He looks at the heart.

What kind of heart is God looking for? Second Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” The eyes of the Lord run all over the earth, not looking for people who will be strong for Him, but for people who will allow God to show Himself strong in them. He’s looking for women like Rahab, who said to the two spies Joshua had sent, “I know that the LORD has given this land to you.” (Joshua 2:9) At risk to her life, she had hidden the spies and misled the King of Jericho’s men. “Thank you, Rahab. You’re a woman who trusts Me to show Myself strong.”

God’s looking for men like Samson who cried out, “O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” (Judges 16:28) Samson pushed against the two central pillars, supporting the temple and it came crashing down, killing the Philistine rulers. “Thank you, Samson. Even against these stone pillars You trust Me to show Myself strong.” How is your faith? How strong are you allowing God to be in your life?

PRAYER: I pray, dear Lord, that my faith in You never falters. Keep it strong and abiding. And for your glory, I ask that You give me opportunities to show your strength through me. Thank You, Lord.

TO REFLECT UPON: Think about a time when my faith wavered and I missed an opportunity for God to show Himself strong in me. How did that make me feel and how would I respond the next time?