How To Make God Happy

We live in a world that celebrates achievement. From the Hall of Fame in sports to the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, we recognize those who have accomplished great things. But when it comes to what truly matters, God isn’t impressed by trophies, talent, or success—He is pleased by faith. Hebrews 11, often called the "Hall of Faith," highlights men and women who lived not by what they could see but by what they knew to be true about God. Their lives were marked by trust in Him, even when the outcome was uncertain.

Faith is not just an abstract idea or a religious cliché; it is a deep conviction that God is who He says He is and will do what He has promised. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This kind of faith is more than belief—it shapes our choices, directs our steps, and influences how we respond to challenges. When we trust God enough to follow Him, we begin to see Him move in ways that strengthen our faith even more.

The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11—Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and others—did not have easy lives. They faced uncertainty, opposition, and trials, yet they chose to trust God. Noah built an ark before he had ever seen rain. Abraham left his homeland without knowing his destination. Moses chose suffering over the temporary pleasures of Egypt. Their faith was not passive; it was active, bold, and transformative. They believed God's promises, even when they had no evidence except His word.

This kind of faith is not just for biblical times—it is for us today. History is full of men and women who lived by faith: missionaries like Saint Patrick and Amy Carmichael, who risked everything to share the Gospel; George Müller, who trusted God to provide for thousands of orphans without ever asking for financial support; Corrie Ten Boom, who endured a concentration camp yet still forgave her captors. Their faith was not in their own strength but in the unchanging character of God.

The challenge for us is simple: Are we living by faith, or are we just agreeing with the idea of faith? True faith requires action. It is stepping into the unknown, believing that God is leading even when the path is unclear. It might mean trusting God in a difficult situation, stepping into ministry, choosing obedience over comfort, or surrendering control over an uncertain future. As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, "It is impossible to please God without faith." A life that pleases Him is one that is fully surrendered, willing to follow Him wherever He leads.

We may not always see the results of our faith immediately, but Hebrews 11 reminds us that those who lived by faith did so with an eternal perspective. They were looking for a "better country—a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16). Our faith is not just about the here and now; it is about trusting God for what is to come. When we step out in faith, we are not just shaping our own lives—we are becoming part of God’s greater story, pointing others to Him.

So what does your story of faith look like? If Hebrews 11 were still being written, would your life be included as an example of bold trust in God? Faith is more than belief—it is action. When we trust God enough to follow Him, we will see Him enough to show Him. And that is how we make God happy.

- Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 3/16/25.