Really Living by Faith

I sometimes wonder if I am living by faith or by sight. I mean, I want assurances before I buy an expensive item (i.e., a vehicle or house). I want to know as much about something as I can learn before I make big decisions (like going to school - learning as much about that school as possible). I plan things a lot. Are these things living by sight and not by faith? Or is faith a huge part that fills in the unknowns in any decision, plan, or action?

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) says this: But without faith it is impossible to please him [GOD]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

This particular verse defines faith for us in a clear and useful way that will help us live by it. There are two parts to this definition:

1. One must trust that God exists (he that cometh to God must believe that He is). The poor atheist has no god to turn to. In his mind, there is no trust that God even IS, much less cares.

2. One must trust that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. (That he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.) This only makes sense. After all, who would take the effort to diligently seek Him (that is, work hard at trying to establish, maintain, even improve on a relationship with God) if there was no trust in a positive result? Who would try to serve God sacrificially if there was no hope of benefit or reward in the end? Why pray if there is no hope that God will answer?

It's Just a Thot, but it seems to me that planning, learning, and getting assurances are only a part of life. Living by trust in God, confidently expecting His reward in exchange for diligent service is the key to success - and it can happen with or without the planning, learning, and getting assurances. Sometimes you'll get them, sometimes you won't. But you will always get direction from God if you will diligently seek Him. Living by faith is seeking that, and then obeying that.

How can we please God if we don't believe He Is? We must have faith that He IS.

How can we please God if we don't believe He can be pleased? We must have faith that He can be pleased, found, and will talk with you.