Faith

Scripture

By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found because God had taken him". 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 11:5-6

I've read these verses many times in my Christian life as a way to encourage myself in strengthening my faith. A couple of years ago, I took another look at them in hopes of gaining deeper understanding of what the writer was saying to my heart. In verse 5, the writer describes how Enoch walked with God and by faith he was taken away so that he did not see death. To walk that closely with God in such a way, Enoch had to be a man of tremendous faith. If Enoch had that kind of faith and fellowship with God, he must have pleased God. 

Walking in communion with God requires us to continue to live by faith. This is the only way to please Him. After we receive salvation through faith, we continue to trust Him, living by faith. We must believe that God is there with us and for us. He will reveal Himself to the heart that seeks Him. He is the reward! It is not a coincidence that these two verses are together. The writer gives an example of true fellowship with God and then explains how to achieve and maintain it. Unfortunately, verse 6 is read in isolation, and we miss the beautiful revelation before us. 

Our communion with God grows stronger as we live by faith. Our faith produces a heart that actively seeks Him. When we seek Him, He rewards us by revealing more of Himself to us. He reveals His nature to us, and knowing Him gives us the confidence we need to trust Him with all aspects of our lives.  Our eyes are fixed firmly on Him. This means that we are not influenced by life's issues. We don't take our eyes off our promise in Him to deal with the problems in our lives. He gives us the grace to face them as we are walking with Him. Beloved, hide these scriptures deep in your heart as you walk in fellowship with the Father. Remember them when you are tempted to rely on your strength or the systems of this world. 

Prayer

Father, we seek to deepen our faith in you today. Grant us the courage to face our certainties, knowing that you are always with us. Help us to remember that faith is a choice to trust in you, not just a feeling. Lord, we submit our ways to you so that our minds are renewed and washed in the Word. Amen