Faith is Essential

I used to think pleasing God was mostly about getting everything right—good behavior, sound doctrine, going to church.

But then Hebrews 11:6 stopped me cold:

"Without faith it is impossible to please Him."

Impossible. No workaround.

Faith is the one essential thing—no substitute will do. It's just a little five-letter word, but oh, what an ocean it opens up. I've spent years dipping my toes in.

Today every time I teach on faith, I get thrilled all over again... and learn something fresh myself.

Like Knocking on a Door with No Handle

Imagine trying to enter a friend's house, but the door has no handle on the outside.

You can knock, shout, even bring gifts—but if the owner doesn't open from inside, you're stuck.

That's us approaching God without faith. He sets the terms: we come believing. Hebrews 11:6 says we must believe two simple things:

1. That God is real—He exists. (Most folks sense that deep down, even if they won't admit it.)
   

2. That He rewards those who seek Him earnestly—no games, no half-hearted trying, just open-hearted searching.

Biblical faith isn't mainly chasing blessings or answers.

It's reaching for God Himself—His goodness, His reliability, His faithful heart. Like a Child Trusting a Father.

Think of a little child lost in a crowd. He doesn't need a map or plan—he just grabs his daddy's hand and trusts he'll get home safe.

That's faith. Not smart ideas about God, but trusting Him personally, like a Father you can count on.

The Bible word for faith also means "faithfulness." So it's two-way: we trust God's faithfulness, and we stay loyal back—no compromising, no siding with doubt or wrong.

It's not just agreeing with a list of beliefs (though truth matters). It's commitment. Loyalty. Standing with God, come what may.

Like a Sheep Knowing Its Shepherd

David nailed it in Psalm 23:1:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

David isn't listing doctrines. He's saying, "I belong to Him. He watches over me. I know His voice."

Out of that trust comes real security—no lack, no fear. Everything I need flows from knowing my Shepherd.That's what our worried world needs most: someone faithful to trust.

And God is waiting to be that for you. Faith is essential. It's the door to everything good with God.

Prayer Father, so often I've tried to please You with my efforts, my knowledge, my goodness.

But today I see—it's faith You want. Simple trust in Your faithful heart.Teach me to reach for You like a child grabs a father's hand.

Grow in me that loyal, committed faith that touches Your heart. I open my hands now and trust You for everything I need. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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