He's Pleased When...

Our friend's head hung low, his shoulders were slumped and his eyes told of the fears he was fighting. He was facing a medical test and was afraid of all the "what ifs" the future might hold. The giant was very real. It was one of those times when you absolutely know how good it is to be part of a family. We gathered around him to pray and encourage and to share our strength and faith.

I saw him again yesterday and remembered that test results were soon due. He told me it was going to be a week longer than he'd expected until he got them. Yet, he was standing there with head held high and clear eyes and I realized that I was seeing faith in action. The Holy Spirit reminded me at that moment that faith is what pleases God. I said, "God sees your faith and it pleases Him. He's looking at you saying, 'There's my son. He trusts me.'" I was amazed at the effect of those words on him and his wife!!

How radically, powerfully, transforming would it be if we lived in the awareness that our Papa is pleased??

"It is impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that He exists and that He cares enough to respond to those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 MSG

Do you believe that He exists? Do you believe that he cares enough to respond to your seeking? Is He your source of hope in a difficult situation? Then He is pleased!! Your Papa is pleased because you're trusting Him and He knows that He has a good plan for you if only you'll trust Him.

The best way I know to demonstrate faith is to praise Him while you're still waiting to see the answer to your prayer. Every declaration of His goodness is an expression of faith. I have a favorite quote from a pastor named Mark Buchanan that goes like this: "Praise is an act of defiance and faith, a bold refusal to allow the trouble that surrounds us to be greater than the God who comes to meet us!"

May God bless you today as you trust and seek and praise. May you be encouraged to know that your Papa is pleased with you, His beloved son or daughter.