When You Don’t See His Promises Materializing Yet

Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

What are the most significant hurdles you have experienced that looked like an impossibility in your life? What trials have you gone through that required more than logical sense, but you knew and were searching for God’s will in it? I can think of several. Pray for God to open your eyes to see His faithfulness when you don’t see His promises materializing yet because He is faithful, and as He says, “rewards those who seek him.”

In Hebrews 11 are listed 16 Old Testament saints and prophets in the hall of fame of faith. Did they have perfect faith all the time? No, they didn’t. But God gave them the strength to carry out what He told them to do or would happen, and they each received it by faith. Abraham and Sarah’s faith had an impact on generations to come. They embraced their faith in God to do what He promised. They knew this world was not their home and knew God had a better home for them in heaven. They lived simply on their dependence on God in faith to please Him in their obedience.

We read in Hebrews 11:32-34, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets – who through faith –

• Conquered kingdoms
• Enforced justice
• Obtained promises
• Stopped the mouths of lions
• Quenched the power of fire
• Escaped the edge of the sword
• Were made strong out of weakness
• Became mighty in war
• Put foreign nations to flight

Their lives were not easy. Their sins and mistakes we can read about so clearly. But the author of Hebrews focuses more on their faith and how God fulfilled promises to these leaders of Israel who had a dynamic relationship with Him due to their faith in God’s promises to them.

Need more faith? Seek the Lord. Pray in the faith that comes from the Word of God, as Romans 10:17 declares, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.” Several years ago, I went through a very hard season of life. Psalm 119:92 became my prayer that I prayed every day, which was, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” Teach me Your Word during this season of my life like I have never known it before and make this verse my testimony when I emerge from this place.” God did and it magnified Him.

Ask God to give you the strength to receive faith from Him, to have the endurance and stability you need for your journey. Think and pray about if you put your confidence in God into action, with your mind and heart glorifying God’s name, in worshipful and magnifying prayers, what could God do to advance the kingdom through you? Praying is more than a prayer list. It is magnifying God’s power and character. It is seeking God’s face.

God will make you strong out of your weaknesses due to your steadfast faith in the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you (Ephesians 1:18-20). He is with you through your journey (Psalm 23). Commit your desires and needs to Him in faith, with confidence, despite what you cannot see acquired. Believe that He will reward you in seeking Him as Hebrews 11:6 promises.

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary New Testament states, “Here are two keys to faith. The first is to believe God is. . .. Secondly, faith believes God is the one who will meet the needs within my heart . . . I believe most of us have no problem with the first of these two keys to faith. We believe God is. But because we don’t believe He rewards those who seek Him, we seek Him haphazardly or half-heartedly if at all. “I don’t have time,” you might be saying. Not true. We have time to golf, time to see the Blazers play, time to water ski, fix the plumbing, and go to the dentist. Every single one of us without exception has time. We do what we want and make time for what is of value to us . . . And when we seek Him, we’re rewarded – not because we’re trying to earn brownie points – but just because hanging out with the Lord opens the door to fabulous blessing from Him.” We must believe He rewards those who seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” NIV. Diligently seek Him. He says He will reward you for it.

Listen to Phil Wickham – Reason I Sing (Acoustic Sessions) (Official Lyric Video)