You can’t follow Jesus if you’re still trying to be in control.

Faith isn’t about mastering the answer to every question. Faith is about trusting the Master. Hebrews 11:6 says, “without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Let’s unpack how this verse reminds us that faith starts not with control but with dependence on God.

#1 Have faith. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. Without means “apart from.” Think about it, aside from having faith, you can’t please God. Faith is literally necessary for pleasing Him. Why? Because it shows you depend on Him instead of yourself. Faith isn’t blind silliness or superstition; it’s tethered to God’s character and promises.

#2 Draw near. Whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists.

Believing God exists means noticing His presence. This busy season of work, travel, and family can make Him feel distant—but He hasn’t moved. Faith calls you to draw near. Open His Word, settle in for prayer, and watch how His nearness grows. God can show up anytime, but He seems to reveal Himself most clearly when you slow down.

#3 Seek Him. And that He rewards those who seek Him. His rewards are cash, investments, and private jets. (Kidding. Just making sure you’re still paying attention.) God’s rewards are far better—steadfastness in hardship, peace in the waiting, and wisdom in a noisy world. Seek Him means trusting Him no matter what you face. He’s good, true, and unmatched—nothing comes close. His rewards are grace, mercy, and eternal life. Pursue Him, trusting He cares enough to respond when you do.

Prayers for Protection: Many of us fall asleep worrying about the day behind or the one ahead. But God invites us to end our day differently—by focusing on His protection and placing our trust in Him. Prayers for protection, grounded in Scripture and faith, can bring lasting peace to your heart and home as you lay your head down to rest.

Perfect Love or Present Fear? A Dad’s Guide to Trusting God: Has your fear dial been stuck on eleven? Biblical faith isn’t about trusting outcomes—it’s about trusting a person. This honest and practical conversation gives dads a simple way to show how Jesus’ presence displaces fear. If your home feels uncertain, here’s a path from panic to peace through courageous, Christ-centered faith.

Oswald Chambers: “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.”

Elisabeth Elliot: “Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.”

Timothy Keller: “To trust God when we don’t understand is to worship Him as God and not as a means to an end.”

Faith pleases God—and without it, you can’t please Him at all. When we trust His Word, He rewards us—not with cash, but with Christ. Faith starts with one small step, and God meets you there.

Pray before the day begins. Read His Word before it ends.

Like the heroes in Hebrews 11, your faith can speak long after you’re gone. Abel’s faith still speaks (v. 4), and yours can too.

Today, show your family what trust in God looks like—a real faith that will outlive you. That’s the kind of life your family needs.

Kent Evans
Author of Don’t Bench Yourself, co-founder of Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.