Faith that Pleases

“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 11:6

How do we speak of our faith in God?  

What words would we choose to describe our faith in Him?

“I stand for Jesus!” many would say, or “I am firmly commented to the LORD!”

Faith, to some, is best described as an allegiance to Christ, a kind of siding with Him and His cause.  This, they feel, is faith.

I don’t think so.  Faith has little to do with commitment, or allegiance.  

When we place our faith in Christ, we are not so much taking a stand for Him as we are acknowledging the stand He takes for us.  

Faith is self-despairing trust in the LORD.  It is coming to Him in empty-handed poverty.  Faith is surrendering all, even our sense of duty, allegiance, or commitment.

People of great faith are not measured by their shining commitment, but by the humbling degree to which they recognize how poor, absolutely dirt poor, they are in spirit.  Their faith has power because they realize no good thing dwells within them.  They bring to the LORD nothing but their open hands, ready to humbly receive whatever God in His mercy will give.

Faith means being sure of Christ’s commitment to you, rather than your commitment to Him.  Faith is having confidence in His love for you rather than your love for Him.

So if you want to place your faith in Christ, surrender all, everything to Him.  

This is faith that pleases God.

Joni, Diamonds in the Dust, June 30