- Notice that it says, that without faith it is “impossible” to please God.
- There is no substitute for faith.
- He then lists two requirements for the person who is worshipping God.
- First, we must believe that God exists.
- That is basic, but it is not enough in itself...After all, the demons can know that sort of faith. (James 2:19)
- You must be convinced of God’s character, “that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
- By fasting and praying, you are earnestly seeking Him.
- You are doing something outside the norm in order to peruse His presence.
- That's what it all about... Getting more of Him.
- By fasting (whatever it is) you are making a statement that you want your walk with God to be closer this year than it was last year.
- You are choosing to remove the distractions and anything that has stood in the way of you and your relationship with Him.
- You are taking off anything that has slowed down or weighed down your spiritual growth or held you back.
- Philippians 3:14 says, "I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
- You are "Pressing On" and pressing means that there is resistance.
- Whenever you press and go beyond the norm you will face resistance.
- Whatever resistance you are facing today, whether it is a personal struggle, a person, and attitude, a thought or a habit - Your goal is to PRESS THROUGH!
- He has given you the ability to do it.
- Philippians 4:13 says, "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]."
- You can do it!
- You are infused with His strength.
- You are self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency!
- When You are earnestly seeking Him, it is okay to expect to be rewarded in the end.
- Press through today and expect to be rewarded!
- Have a great Wednesday!