How to Build Stronger Faith Based Upon Hebrews 11:6

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Without faith it’s impossible to please God – these words from Hebrews 11:6 might seem daunting at first, but they open the door to understanding one of the most fundamental aspects of our relationship with our Creator. Like a child taking their first steps while trusting their parent’s outstretched arms, faith involves both trust and action.

We’ll explore the true meaning of biblical faith, why it matters so much to God, how to overcome common obstacles, and practical ways to strengthen our faith. From examining the lives of great faith heroes in the Bible to sharing modern-day testimonies of faith in action, this journey will help us understand how to develop the kind of faith that pleases God.

Just as a muscle grows stronger through consistent exercise, faith can be developed and strengthened through understanding and practice. Whether you’re just beginning your faith journey or seeking to deepen your trust in God, this exploration will provide practical insights and encouragement for your spiritual growth.

1. Understanding Biblical Faith

Have you ever tried explaining what love feels like to someone who’s never been in love? Biblical faith can be just as challenging to describe, yet it’s fundamental to our relationship with God. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” but what does this really mean in our daily lives?

Think of faith like trusting a chair to hold you when you sit down. You’re not hoping it might work – you have confidence based on both evidence and experience. This is what Moses demonstrated when he led the Israelites out of Egypt. He didn’t just hope God would show up; he moved forward based on God’s character and promises. “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27).

The Bible shows us that true faith has three essential components:

– Knowledge of God’s Word (Romans 10:17): “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”

– Trust in God’s character (Proverbs 3:5-6): “Trust in the LORD with all your heart”

– Action based on that trust (James 2:17): “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”

2. Why Faith Pleases God

Last Sunday, my neighbor’s five-year-old daughter ran into her father’s arms without hesitation when he called her. That simple act of complete trust brought tears to his eyes, and suddenly I understood better why faith pleases God so much. It’s not about religious performance; it’s about trusting our heavenly Father’s heart.

Hebrews 11:6 explains that “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.” Just as a parent delights in their child’s trust, God is pleased when we demonstrate confidence in His character and promises.

Consider these aspects that make faith pleasing to God:

– It acknowledges His truthfulness (Numbers 23:19)

– It demonstrates trust in His goodness (Psalm 34:8)

– It shows we value His promises (2 Peter 1:4)

– It positions us to receive His blessings (Mark 9:23)

3. Common Obstacles to Faith

“I thought I was the only one struggling,” Sarah confessed during our Bible study. Her words resonated with everyone in the room as she described her battle with doubt. Like trying to walk against a strong wind, our faith journey often faces resistance from various obstacles.

Common faith barriers include:

– Intellectual doubts and questions

– Past disappointments or unanswered prayers

– Fear and anxiety about the future

– Cultural skepticism and peer pressure

– Personal trauma or pain

The Bible doesn’t shy away from these struggles. Even John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus, had moments of doubt. From prison, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). Jesus didn’t rebuke him but responded with evidence and encouragement.

Remember Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33)? His story perfectly illustrates our faith journey. He had enough faith to step out of the boat but became afraid when he saw the waves. Jesus didn’t condemn him for his fear but gently helped him, saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” This teaches us that God understands our struggles with faith and is ready to help us overcome them.

4. Building Strong Faith

Think of faith like a muscle – it grows stronger with exercise. When my friend David first started working out, he could barely lift 20 pounds. Six months later, he was lifting 200. Similarly, faith grows through consistent spiritual exercise. As Romans 10:17 tells us, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Building strong faith involves several key practices:

– Regular Bible study and meditation (Joshua 1:8)

– Consistent prayer life (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

– Fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25)

– Actively trusting God in small things

I remember Maria’s journey of building faith through daily prayer walks. “I started by thanking God for one thing each day,” she shared. “Now, two years later, I can’t stop seeing His hand everywhere!” Her story illustrates how small steps of faith lead to greater spiritual strength.

5. Faith in Action

“Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26) came alive for me when I witnessed Tom’s story. After losing his job, instead of panicking, he chose to volunteer at our church’s food bank while job hunting. “I needed to put feet to my faith,” he explained. His trust in God’s provision, combined with active service, not only strengthened his faith but also led to unexpected career opportunities.

The Bible shows us that faith always leads to action:

– Abraham left his homeland (Genesis 12:1-4)

– Moses confronted Pharaoh (Exodus 3-4)

– David faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17)

– Early church shared everything (Acts 4:32-35)

Real faith changes how we live. It affects our decisions, relationships, and priorities. As Jesus taught, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed… Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).

6. The Rewards of Faith

Sarah’s hands trembled as she wrote that first tithe check after her husband’s layoff. “Everything in me wanted to hold onto that money,” she shared, “but I chose to trust God’s promises.” Three months later, not only had they survived, but both she and her husband had found better jobs. While not all faith rewards are material, God promises specific blessings for those who trust Him.

The Bible outlines various rewards of faith:

– Peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7)

– Divine guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6)

– Spiritual growth (2 Peter 1:5-8)

– Answered prayers (Mark 11:24)

– Eternal perspective (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that God “rewards those who earnestly seek him.” These rewards might look different than we expect, but they’re always better than what we could plan for ourselves. Consider Moses, who chose “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward” (Hebrews 11:26).

The greatest reward of faith isn’t in what we receive but in Who we get to know. Through faith, we experience deeper intimacy with God, understanding His character and trustworthiness more fully. This relationship itself becomes our most precious reward.

Conclusion:

Building and maintaining faith that pleases God isn’t about achieving perfection or never experiencing doubt. Rather, it’s about developing a trusting relationship with our Creator that influences every aspect of our lives. Through understanding biblical faith, recognizing its importance to God, and actively working to strengthen it, we can grow in our ability to trust and please Him. Remember, even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains when placed in our all-powerful God. As you continue your faith journey, take heart in knowing that God is pleased not by our performance but by our persistent trust in His character and promises.