Pleasing God

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must

believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Paul knew that without faith, no one pleases God. As a result, he lived his life from faith to faith. Did you catch that? From the moment Paul first believed until he was martyred in Rome, his focus never changed. He clung to what he believed – Jesus. As a result, like Jesus, Paul was in step with God and about the Father’s business.

From his blinding conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul never departed from God’s call. He prayed without ceasing and believed without wavering. Paul never worried about where he was, what he possessed, nor what men thought about him or might do to him. If he was in plenty, he praised God, and if he was in want or need, he prayed and trusted. He was a contented soul, and he said so. Paul never criticized God’s provision or complained; he praised and worshiped instead. Yes, in and out of season, in plenty or want, in chains or preaching to kings, Paul was satisfied and confident. He knew he was held in the mighty grip of God, and subsequently, he confessed that his fate was in God’s hands. Since Paul had many enemies, that’s comforting to know. Like Jesus, Paul had no confidence in men whatsoever, and he endured many hardships for the benefit of the gospel. He knew full well that they might kill the body, but never his Spirit.

What’s the takeaway? Paul’s faithfulness was not circumstantial. It was linked to God’s promise and to that Paul clung. Consequently, he was full and satisfied and rested in the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faithful to the end, indeed. Paul was found pleasing to God.

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, woo us to seek you. Fill us to overflowing and grow our faith. At the end of each day, may we lay down in peace knowing that we are pleasing in your sight. Amen and amen.