God “Rewards” Those Who Seek Him… Really?

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

God rewards those who seek Him.

Over and over we hear that God’s gifts are “unmerited.” In other words, that there is nothing we can do to obtain them. But that idea really isn’t based on scripture. Of course, Salvation isn’t earned—it is a gift. But the choices we make in our journey of faith do have consequences. If that were not the case, God would not have said things, “He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” and “to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, {He gives} eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation” (Ro 2:7-8). If we seek we find. If we don’t, we… don’t.

Consider the men and women of faith who have gone before us: How many of them spent days and nights praying and seeking the face of God for more wisdom, strength, and light? Did they receive it? We have writings to prove they did.

The point is that we need to be aware that we have a responsibility to continue seeking the grace (“favor”) we have been freely given. If we have been awarded Salvation without earning it, we have a responsibility to live in that Salvation (the life and light of Christ). And it really isn’t “hard” to do, considering Jesus has given us “everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1) and “we are seated in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1) and “His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.” (1 John 5:3-4). “For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. . . . But the word {Christ} is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it” (Deuteronomy 30:11, 14).

Consider Romans 8, the “no condemnation” chapter:

“If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is 1alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh — for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:10-13)

Do people who earnestly seek the face of God receive “rewards” for their faithfulness? Yes. Those who seek God experience communion with Him that they couldn’t receive any other way. Do people who ask for the strength to overcome the weaknesses of their flesh receive it? Again, yes.

No wonder the apostle wrote that his earnest prayer was “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.”

Of course, the key words here are, “the strength of HIS might.” It’s all HIS power, so in that sense, it’s free. But, again, we still have a responsibility. If we want the Holy Spirit, Christ says to ask for it. If we want more wisdom and knowledge, we must seek after it. We can’t lazily sit back and expect to be handed what we’re told to pursue (especially when we’ve been FREELY GIVEN the strength to pursue it).

Christianity is not a passive religion. We are not called to simply sit and wait (doing nothing) for God to shower us with gifts. He already has given us the gift—our responsibility is to continue to pursue it and persevere in it, daily trusting God for the power and strength to walk in His life and light.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

“Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.” (1 John 5:3-4)

“ . . . But the righteous will live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:14)

Just some thoughts…

Peace,

Stephanie

www.StephanieStaples.com
www.AtlantaWorshipLeader.com

3 Comments. Leave new

  • I’m in the middle of a 40 day fast, where I’m asking for more of the Lord. Wisdom, clarity, power to do His work in the world, during this generation. Thank you sister, not sure when you wrote this but it just gave me the jolt of encouragement I needed. ❤️ God bless, Rasheeda

    Reply
  • Thank you so much for writing and posting this for us! It was exactly what I needed to strengthen me and encourage me! God Bless you!

    Reply
  • Thanks so much for the word you gave. It’s more like reminding me of why I’m here on this earth. God bless you, your family and may God continue to lead and guide you in all He has for you to do.
    Thank God for you

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fill out this field
Fill out this field
Please enter a valid email address.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stephanie Staples Favicon
Thankful
Stephanie Staples Favicon
Conversation between the Artist & the Spirit from “The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis