"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Perhaps one of the most difficult challenges for Christians is to avoid integrating natural human thinking with the truths of Scripture. This is particularly true when it comes to understanding faith and works. In nearly every aspect of society, we are trained to "earn our keep" by working hard. Students normally must exert themselves to earn good grades, employees work hard to get promoted, and the success of nearly all that we do hinges on the amount of work invested for each endeavor.

It is no wonder that it seems unnatural when we first discover that we are "saved through faith . . . Not of works" (Ephesians 2:8-9). For salvation is not natural—it is supernatural, for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him" (I Corinthians 2:14).

In the book of Hebrews, we are exhorted to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22) and to "hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering" (Hebrews 10:23).

Regardless of what might lie ahead, we trust God in all circumstances, and even though we may not be sure of the future, we know who holds the future, "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (II Corinthians 5:7).

We may be able to please other people in the world by our works, but in God's kingdom, it is our faith that pleases Him. And as we grow in that faith, we come to realize that it is God who wants to work through us if we will simply get out of the way. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). MDR