DILIGENCE by Maria Hartman

I concluded my last posting with the verse from Hebrews 11:6. The second part of the verse says: For he that cometh to God must believe that He is; and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. I could not let this verse go. First and foremost we must KNOW that He is, but God tells us even more. He tells me who to seek, how to seek, and what the outcome will be.

God rewards those who seek Him one way only; diligently. Diligence is a noun that is defined as: "Constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind." With that definition in mind, lets go on. The word seek also means much more than just a casual pursuit of something. And what we seek is of utmost importance. Three words that give us a clear picture of our instructions: we are to SEEK GOD DILIGENTLY.

What is something you have looked for in life with diligence; something you have searched for with all your heart? Think about it. Only one thing comes to mind when I answer this question. Once, for maybe 10 minutes when Joey was about 8, we got separated in an enormous store in Pa. called Cabela's. Along comes Kurt, without Joey, followed a minute or two later by Mark and Nathan without Joey. I panicked, yes I did. We found him eventually, gawking at the incredible display of real stuffed animals over at the side of the store. We were so thankful!

How I felt at this time isn't what I want to share, but rather the effort in which I sought him. I had a singular focus. I was not drawn in by the sights, sales, or displays set up all around me. Nothing in the store existed but only that my son was there; somewhere, and I needed to find him. I was consumed with the end result of having him back where he belonged. The reward for the diligence of my search was that he was found and no harm had come to him. (some harm may have come to my blood pressure, but....)

I believe that God wants that much effort in seeking Him. Everything around paling in comparison as we search fervently for just a glimpse of Him; stretching and straining for more of Him. My son is worth so much to me, but how much is my God worth to me? I wonder sometimes if we really understand the significance of the privilege we have been given to seek the Creator of Life, the Eternal God. Do we understand that a true and diligent search for God will literally yield HIM as the result? THAT I believe must be the great reward He promises; experiencing in some degree the unfathomable character of God.

When I couldn't find my son, it was because he had moved from where he was supposed to be. When I can't find my God, it is because I have moved from where I am supposed to be. But I am not left to wonder alone how I can find Him. In the Word of God I am given a road map to a treasure that all the riches in the world will never compare to. I am told who to seek (HIM), how to seek (DILIGENTLY), and what I'll get when I seek (a REWARD). Is there anything more amazing than that?

For today: What will you do on your search for God? Keep on hard and don't stop. He wants to be found.