But now the Lord says: Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. (1 Sam. 2:30)
The question is how can I be the kind of faithful person God honors? If you are a person who desires the favor of God Hebrews 6:11-12 has some advice: “show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
In order to understand this we need to look at a guy like Abraham. He displayed great faith and patience. Remember when God called Abram to leave his homeland for a place unknown Abraham displayed great faith and diligence: “So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him.” (Gen 12:4)
Remember when God told Abraham that he would have a son, even though his wife Sarah was already 90yrs. old. (Gen. 17:17-19) Abraham believed and God rewarded his trust and displayed his own faithfulness a year later by giving Isaac to Abraham and Sarah.
Remember when Abraham heard God tell him to sacrifice the son for whom he had waited? Abraham faithfully obeyed God and was blessed for his devotion (Gen. 22:1-18)
If we desire God’s favor and blessing we need to mirror Abraham’s patience, faithfulness, and diligence. God desires to bless us and looks for reasons to do so— so let’s give Him ample reason.
In His Service,
Eric Barnes
