Reward

Now without faith it is impossible to please him,

for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Heb 11:6 (NET)

In previous posts this month of February we have learned something about the loving qualities of our Father; how his unlimited resources are available to meet all of our needs, how he satisfies us, gives us comfort, rest and instruction with deep love and compassion. 

Yet we ask, "Where are these things in my life? They seem so far from my personal experience now."   The ways of God are simple.  He is looking for child like faith.  He says” believe”.  We try to complicate things by thinking there is something we need to do, some penance we need to make, some work we need to accomplish before we can have the reward.  But, God says he is a rewarder of those who believe and sincerely seek him.

Where does this faith come from? It is a gift that is ignited in our hearts as we listen to the truth about God. It has been declared to us that God loves and cares for us.  As we declare with our mouths this truth, our faith is built up. This word of faith may be contradicted by our feelings and circumstances but affirms the truth of God's love and becomes the evidence of what we don’t yet see. 

 Yes, Lord you are my helper, my rewarder.  Even though now I may have dark feelings, I don't depend on them.  I depend on and declare my faith in your goodness. 

 So faith comes from listening,

and listening comes through the word of Christ.

"The word is near you;

it is in your mouth and in your heart,"

that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming.

Romans 10:8,17 (NIV)

Look, your Savior is coming.

See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.

Isaiah 62:11 (NLT)