Faith and Prayer

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please him:  for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

In our Christian life there are truths and principles we know on paper and in theory because we read them in the Bible or someone has taught us what the Bible says.  There are also truths and principles we know because circumstances in our lives have brought us to a place where God has allowed us to experience the power of these truths and principles personally.  For me, that is the case with this verse and the middle phrase of this verse in particular.  God is.  This obvious fact revolutionized my prayer life.  When I pray, I am praying to the God of the universe Who spoke into existence everything around us.  This same God loves me, knows me, cares about me, and wants to hear from me.  To me that is amazing and wonderful.  This devotion may be disjointed and disconnected but I hope you will receive encouragement from it.

1. My thoughts on faith.
   At first glance, we immediately see three parts to this verse.
   A.  Faith is necessary.
         We cannot please God without faith. 
         Whatever is not of faith is sin.
   B.  Faith concerning the nature of God.
         He is. 
         He is everything He claims to be.
         He is everything the Bible teaches us about Himself.
   C.  Faith concerning the nurture of God.
         He will reward those that diligently seek Him.  He wants to bless us.
         He wants to answer our prayers.  He wants to use us.
         He wants us to fulfill His will for our lives.
         He has our best interests in His heart.  He loves us.
2. My thoughts on prayer.
   When I read the words, cometh to God, I immediately think of prayer.  Here are four times in our life when we should pray.
   A.  When you don’t know what to do
   B.  When there’s nothing you can do
   C.  When you’ve done all you can do
   D.  When others tell you what to do
3. My thoughts on “He is”.
   I know I have said it multiple times but I will say it again.  God is.  Think about these five things concerning “He is”.
   A.  He is Indeed God.
         Be still and know that He is God.
   B.  He is an Individual God.
         Be still and know that He knows you.
   C.  He is an Intimate God.
         Be still and know that He knows every detail of your life.
   D.  He is an Involved God.
         Be still and know that He wants to be a part of every detail of your life.
   E.  He is an Intelligent God.
         Be still and know that He knows what is best for your life.

This probably seems like three devotions in one but I cannot express how much I love this verse.  It has been a powerful force in my prayer life.  The next time you approach God in prayer, I hope this devotion will help you as you ask, believe, and receive.  

photo credit: Kelly Morton