God Rewards Diligent Seekers

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, January 18. 2023
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.
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

I am sitting in church, keenly listening as the day’s preacher expounds on God’s word. My mind wanders. I begin to think about the close to three dozen people gathered in this place of worship on a weekday diligently seeking God.

Separating Faith from Mere Belief

The congregation is a mix of adults and children. We have whole families as well as unmarried young people. Each has a petition to present to God. All expect that God will respond favourably to their requests.

How different is this gathering from a group of citizens asking for handouts or projects from a politician? I ponder. Are we any different from a crowd watching a magic show and expecting the magician to demonstrate ingenious tricks?

Without Faith, we cannot please God

Suddenly, a verse interrupts my musings. It states, “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.” (Hebrews 11:6).

The answers start coming. Strange as it may sound, we are in church today partly because we want to please God. In Second Corinthians 5:9, Paul urges us to make it our goal to please the lord. How exactly do we do that? By faith because without faith we cannot please God.

Believing in the Existence of God

In Hebrews 11:6, Paul presents two important elements of faith that those who want God to answer their prayers must have. This is what will make the difference between the people in my church today and a politician or magician’s audience.

First, a firm belief in the existence of God. Prayer is an intimate interaction with a real Person called God. We must believe that God has all the power and resources we need to live productively and piously. This also means subjecting ourselves to His authority.

Believing in the Goodness of God

Second, an unquestioning belief in His goodness and willingness to make our lives worth living. Faith means believing that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. We approach God with positive expectations knowing He is a loving and just Master.

It is refreshing to know that each of the people gathered in my church will receive a reward from God because of believing in Him and seeking Him diligently. To the extent that they exercise unwavering faith in God, they can expect Him to answer their prayers.

God Rewards Diligent Seekers

What are your prayer requests today? Begin by affirming the existence of God and His Lordship over your life. Further, believe in the goodness of God and His willingness to reward diligent seekers like you. Now wait for God to answer you according to His will.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, today I affirm my belief in your existence and authority over my life, and Your willingness to reward me for diligently seeking You.