I was driving along in my car this morning, with one thought tripping over another as a song on the radio echoed Biblical truth, and, through the song I can't recall at present, God laid a few thoughts on my heart.
It started with: Hebrews 11:6
And 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.
...and was quickly followed with: Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
...which told me that your world could seem as though it is falling apart; you could be just about ready to walk away from every dream you've ever clung to; you could be as angry as the night is dark; you could be carrying as much hope as a sieve carries water; you could doubt everything from your next step to the depths of your worth... but if you still know that God IS, then you've pleased Him.
Hebrews 11:6 says without faith it's impossible to please God. In Matthew 17:20 Jesus uses the smallest seed in the plant family to state that you only need minute faith... But what I love the most is where Hebrews 11:6 tells us to place our faith - or plant that seed: In the belief that God exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
As I drove along focusing on these things, a weight lifted off my chest, and, as a sense of ease and grace flooded my soul, stirring to life hope, joy and strength, and God impressed upon my heart, "Faith is not a performance." Through this, a burden was lifted from me...
Somewhere along my spiritual/Christian journey, I've come to believe that faith should not only be carried in a big cup, but overflowing the cup's brim. But that's not the case.
It doesn't take much to please God...and that, because He already loves you... :) No performance necessary! ;)
xxx