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How to Have a Faith That Pleases God

Matt Edmundson
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Here’s a summary of this week’s sermon:

In the midst of life's fiercest storms, where do we anchor our trust? In this teaching we uncover a profound truth: the kind of faith that not only endures but thrives in adversity – a faith that moves mountains.

  • Navigating Through Life’s Storms

    Paul's journey, as narrated in Acts, is more than a mere historical account; it's a beacon of hope for every soul battered by life's tempestuous waves. In Acts 27, we see him, a prisoner, embarking on a perilous voyage to Italy. His warnings of impending disaster, drawn from a life seasoned with trials, are disregarded, leading the ship and its souls into a violent storm.

    Here, we find a striking parallel to our lives. How often do we ignore the gentle nudges of wisdom, only to find ourselves in the midst of chaos? But the story doesn't end there – it's just the beginning of an exploration into the depth and power of true faith.

  • The Promise of God

    The crux of Paul's journey, and indeed our lesson, lies in the promise of God. This promise, a beacon in the storm, came to Paul in a time of dire need. "Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar." The simplicity of these words belies their profound impact. Herein lies the essence of faith that pleases God – a steadfast belief in His promises, even when all physical evidence points to the contrary.

  • Faith Beyond Seeing

    True faith is not just believing in God's existence; it's about trusting in His character, His promises. It's about holding onto hope when the stars of guidance disappear, and the sun of assurance is hidden. Paul's faith, as he stood on the tempest-tossed ship, was not in the strength of the vessel or the skill of its crew, but in the unshakeable word of God.

    Spurgeon once eloquently questioned why we find it so hard to believe God. The answer lies not in the complexity of faith, but in the challenge of surrendering our doubts and fears. True faith is an unwavering trust in God, even when the ground beneath us seems to crumble.

  • The Impact of Our Faith

    The faith that pleases God is one that stands firm in trials. It's a faith that echoes through our actions, our decisions, and our words. As Paul's trust in God's promise spread hope among the despairing crew, our faith too can be a source of strength and encouragement to those around us.

  • Resting in His Promises

    In the heart of the storm, Paul remembered God's promise and rested in it. This act of faith is a powerful example for us. As we face our own trials, let us remember the promises God has made to us. Let’s cling to them, not as fleeting words, but as unbreakable anchors of hope.

    Conclusion

    "How to Have a Faith That Pleases God" is not just about believing in the unseen. It's about trusting in the character of God, resting in His promises, and allowing that trust to transform how we navigate life. It's about having a faith that moves mountains – a faith that stands tall amid the storms, shining as a testament to the unerring faithfulness of God.

    In embracing this faith, we find not just solace, but strength. We become beacons of hope in a world often clouded by uncertainty.

    This faith that pleases God, it's not passive; it's dynamic. It actively seeks to understand, to grow, to persevere. It's a faith that doesn't just endure storms but uses them as catalysts for growth. It teaches us that each challenge we face is an opportunity to deepen our trust in God's promises.

    So, let us walk this journey of faith with conviction. Let us hold onto God's promises, not as distant concepts, but as living, breathing truths that shape our every day. Let's be inspired by Paul's example and cultivate a faith that not only believes in God but fully trusts in His unchanging character and His eternal promises.

    The path to having a faith that pleases God is laid out before us. It’s a path marked by trust, hope, and unwavering belief in the face of life’s storms. This is the journey we are invited to embark on – a journey towards a faith that moves mountains.

    As you navigate your own storms, remember this: true faith isn’t about the absence of doubt; it’s about choosing to trust God even in the presence of doubt. It's about resting in His promises and knowing that, come what may, His faithfulness is our shield and rampart.

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