Today I Am going to ask each of you to ask yourself this question. How can I be the kind of faithful person God Honors?
Do you want to see the favor of God blossom in your life? If you do, the writer of Hebrews has some advice for you: “show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:11, 12).
The writer has in mind someone like the Old Testament saint Abraham, who displayed great faith and patience. Remember when God called Abraham to leave his homeland for a place unknown? Genesis 12:4 displays Abraham’s (Abram’s) diligence: “So Abram went forth as the Lon had spoken to him.”
Remember when God told Abraham that he would have a son, even though his wife Sarah was already 90 years old? (Gen. 17:17— 19). God displayed His 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 100 years? Abraham faithfully obeyed God—and was blessed for his devotion Gen. 22:1—18).
We are to mirror Abraham’s faithfulness. In our attempts to pursue God with diligence, we need to take stock of everything we do:
1. Set clear goals. Olympic athletes don’t begin with a vague notion of becoming an Olympian. Each step of the way requires them to work for a faster time, a higher jump, or an improved technique.
2. Be patient. When Pablo Casals reached age 95, a young reporter asked him, “Mr. Casals, you are 95 and the greatest cellist that ever lived. Why do you still practice six hours a day?” Casals answered, “Because I think I’m making progress.”
3. Be willing to take risks. God asks that we trust Him despite our limited understanding. As the saying goes, a turtle makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.
4. Be persistent. If God has given you a clearly defined goal and you sincerely believe it to be His will, don’t let doubt or discouragement defeat you. Keep at it and don’t give up.
5. Be flexible. Remember that the process is the greatest learning experience we have. Learn from your mistakes and move on. Flexibility enables you to change as God changes you.
If you want God to honor you, then be the kind of person who honors Him by consistently acting on your faith. Buy acting on this faith, we get to a point of Trusting God and see that he is looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.