We have made the statement that, “Only that which is done by faith can please God.” What then is the reward or blessing of a faith that pleases God?
I. Faith is the Victory-Faith is the reward.
1John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
The ultimate reward or blessing for a believer is a home in heaven with God for all of eternity. That should be the thing that motivates us and keeps us moving forward. Our final destination.
But in terms of the destinations of our lives while we are here on earth, practically speaking, God’s blessing is not a particular outcome but understanding that I am doing what He wants me to do right now.
The blessing in the faith life is faith; actual confidence in God that results in:
-Peace
-Joy
-Contentment
When we find our contentment, peace, and happiness in knowing how it will all work out or what the conclusion will be, we are not living by faith and are therefore not pleasing God.
The greatest blessing that we can ever enjoy, this side of Heave, is the blessing of confidence in who God is and the path that He has set.
Having confidence in God and His plan removes:
-Anxiety
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
-Restlessness
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
-Confusion
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
*Faith does not remove the problem, but it does keep our focus on Him in the problem
Fear is the element that says, “I have to know before I can act.”
Peace is knowing that what I am doing right now is what God wants me to do right now and when He wants me to do something else;
1. He will tell me
2. I will do it.
II. Think steps not conclusions
Stop saying, “I need to know,” and start praying, “Lord, show me what is next.”
We get so wrapped up in the, “Need to know.” If we need to know then we are asking God to remove the need for faith.
“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”
Understanding the end from the beginning would cause us to put our confidence in an outcome that we can understand instead of on God.
Do what you know to do and allow Him to override your plan.
The only thing that we are responsible for is responding to the clear direction of God, what we know for sure.
1. Surrender to His will
2. Take the next step
Conclusion-
If only that which is done by faith can please God, than the things that we are involved in over the course of our lives that do not require faith do not please Him. The faith life is one that will certainly have it’s challenges, but it is in this life that we are able to experience the greatest reward that we can experience this side of heaven: The peace, joy and contentment that comes from a confidence in God and who He is!