Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe God exists and he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (NIV)
I love the witness at a funeral where one of the sons spoke about his mama who would often say to her kids with a smile, “Don’t count on any inheritance from me because I’m using up every dollar while I’m still alive.” They laughed because they knew she didn’t have anything. And when she died, there was really nothing left. But that never bothered her kids because their mama left them a legacy of amazing love, unconditional joy and incredible courage. It all came from her walking in faith with Jesus Christ. Their mama lost two husbands and one child to tragic deaths. She raised the rest of her kids as a single parent. She did more than survive and exist. She thrived. Her favorite bible verse, Psalm 30:5 & 11. “Weeping may come for the night, but joy comes in the morning. God you have turned my mourning into dancing and clothed me with joy.” Their mama left a spiritual legacy. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that you can’t please God without faith and that God will reward you when you earnestly seek him. God expects us to walk by faith and to leave a legacy of faith for those who come behind us. You can leave your children and grandchildren all kinds of stuff, but the most important legacy you can leave is a legacy of faith.
I love the witness at a funeral where one of the sons spoke about his mama who would often say to her kids with a smile, “Don’t count on any inheritance from me because I’m using up every dollar while I’m still alive.” They laughed because they knew she didn’t have anything. And when she died, there was really nothing left. But that never bothered her kids because their mama left them a legacy of amazing love, unconditional joy and incredible courage. It all came from her walking in faith with Jesus Christ. Their mama lost two husbands and one child to tragic deaths. She raised the rest of her kids as a single parent. She did more than survive and exist. She thrived. Her favorite bible verse, Psalm 30:5 & 11. “Weeping may come for the night, but joy comes in the morning. God you have turned my mourning into dancing and clothed me with joy.” Their mama left a spiritual legacy. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that you can’t please God without faith and that God will reward you when you earnestly seek him. God expects us to walk by faith and to leave a legacy of faith for those who come behind us. You can leave your children and grandchildren all kinds of stuff, but the most important legacy you can leave is a legacy of faith.
– Dr. Tim Thompson