What sincere faith does

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

—Hebrews 11:6 NLT

Kara and Megan have been best friends since they were in 4th grade. Through the years, they have shared birthday celebrations, family drama, weddings and births. Their friendship has lasted, even though Megan and her children moved across the country three years ago, after her divorce, so she could be near her sister. Kara and Megan talk on the phone at least twice a week. They share everything.

Imagine that one day, Megan bursts into tears during their conversation. “What’s going on?” Kara asks.

“I’m afraid you won’t keep calling me,” she sobs, “Your friendship is so important to me!”

Kara would understandably feel confused and hurt. She has always proven herself to be a good friend, but it seems as if Megan doesn’t trust that she will be there for her. That is painful.

It is pleasing to God when we trust Him—when we have faith that He will provide for our needs and be our faithful friend. This doesn’t mean that our lives turn out perfectly, just like we hope and dream they will. But our faith should run deep, and we can rest, knowing that God will be with us no matter what we face.

This verse in Hebrews is not talking about blind faith that throws intellect to the wind. In fact, the entire book of Hebrews has been building up to this, explaining things using evidence and logic. The writer wants to show the importance of sincere faith over insincere works.

Cultivating a faith like this is a work of prayer and listening to His voice. When our lives are going well, we are invited to spend time getting to know God, who is all in for us. In our times of greatest difficulty and pain, we must keep our ears and eyes on Jesus, “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

Faith is a gift from God. By accepting it, we please Him.

—Kathy McMillan, MA, is director of Employee Spiritual Care for Loma Linda University Medical Center.