This Bible verse states very plainly that we simply cannot please God without faith. It also tells us that He gives us special rewards when we seek Him "earnestly and diligently." When we do something "earnestly," we do it in a thorough and serious way, intending to succeed. It means we keep seeking God until we find Him, not resting until we hear from Him in our situation or circumstance. Doing something "diligently" means doing it energetically and persistently. It's the opposite of doing it lazily or shoddily. We are more likely to be diligent about something if we love doing it. When we love to seek God, we will naturally seek Him energetically and perseveringly, expecting Him to answer our call, and to fulfill our needs.

In walking closely with the Lord these past 30 years, I have discovered that one of the ways He "rewards" us for "earnestly and diligently" seeking Him, is to make us sensitive and obedient to His Spirit's leading, especially in desperate times.

If you want to learn what someone's relationship with the Lord is really like, watch them closely when they are facing difficulty and pain. They often don't know how to pray, how to read their Bible, or how to hear God's voice. Often, they will seek out mature believers first, instead of seeking God. And the results are often disastrous.

Please don't be like them. Don't seek the Lord half-heartedly. Seek the Lord diligently and earnestly NOW, so that when trouble comes, you will readily receive the answers, victories, and rewards that He reserves only for His faithful ones. Today, let me leave you with this precious promise from the Lord: "When you come looking for Me, you'll find Me. Yes, when you get serious about finding Me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed... I'll turn things around for you." (Jeremiah 29:13-14 MSG)

Prayer: Lord, I ask that You teach me how to seek You earnestly and diligently all the rest of my days. Remind me to always seek You first when I have any questions, dilemmas, or difficulties. Don't let me live my life dependent upon anyone but You. But do send others to help me when it is Your will for me, after I have sought You. Thank You for the untold rewards that will be mine for seeking You with all my heart!