Studying Abel's Faith

Hebrews 11:4 "It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel's offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts..."

The Bible, in Genesis 4, tells us that, because of Abel's faith, his sacrifice was better than Cain's. Abel first offered himself and then brought the best and most expensive portion to God. Abel had the right motives and God is pleased with a pure heart.

Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith, it is impossible to please God. It's by faith, that I commit myself into His will and by faith I will offer Him the best part of it. I think it might be like this:

One day, the busy father came home from work. He continues to do his paper work for hours upon hours. Hours later his son, 5 years old, comes up to him and ask him this, "Hey dad, can I borrow $20.00?" His dad is angered by his son's question and sends him straight to his room. Later that night after finishing all of the paperwork, he tells his wife "I cannot believe that my son would just ask me for $20.00. Doesn't he see me working hard just to support our family?" He then feels guilty and decides to apologize to his son for yelling him. He goes to his son's room and sits on the side of his son's bed and apologizes. Then he ask "So, why do you need $10.00?" And his son jumps off the bed, digs under the bed and pulls out a box and opens it then says "Dad, I know you make $40.00 for working eight hours. I've collected all of these coins and saved up $20.00 for the past few years and couldn't wait any longer. I wanted to pay you $40.00 to buy eight hours from you."

But the message that I got from this story is that I cannot get God, without asking something from Him. And the best part is that, when I ask Him for something, it only brings us closer. I get to do what He loves to do, what His will is. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). His Word is His heart and will.

Dear God,
Just as that story goes, help me to be like the child who offered himself to you. Let me spend time with you and with faith, please you because I will be doing what you want me to do. That kid didn't just sat down for eight hours with his dad and I'm sure it pleased his dad that his son was trying to save up to buy eight hours from his dad to hang out with. Only a son who loves his father so much would do anything to be with his dad. The son's faith pleased his father. And you said in your word that the only way to please you is by faith. Faith comes from sitting down and listening to your word. From listening to your word, I can find your heart and something that pleases you.
In Jesus Name Amen.