Read Hebrews 11:6–16
Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Hebrews 11:6
Faith looks to the future, for that is where the greatest rewards are
found. The people named in Hebrews 11 (and those unnamed) did
not receive “the things promised” (v. 13), but they had God’s witness
to their faith that one day they would be rewarded. One day all of us
will share that heavenly city that true saints look for by faith (v. 16).
We today should give thanks for these saints of old, for they
were faithful during difficult times, and yet we are the ones who have
received the better blessing. They saw some of these blessings afar off
(v. 13), but we enjoy them today through Jesus Christ. If the saints
of old had not trusted God and obeyed His will, Israel would have
perished, and the Messiah would not have been born.
Without faith it is impossible to please God. But this faith grows
as we listen to His Word and fellowship in worship and prayer. Faith
is possible to all kinds of believers in all kinds of situations. It is not a
luxury for a few “elite saints.” It is a necessity for all of God’s people.
Lord, increase our faith (Luke 17:5)!
Something to Ponder
When is your faith the strongest? When does it seem weakest?