There is much we could say about pleasing God, but we want to focus on one aspect that is crystal clear, based on what we read in Hebrews 11:1, 6.  Faith is absolutely essential to pleasing God.  We need to grasp how central faith is to pleasing God and not only grasp its importance but actually have faith.

How to tell whether we actually have faith (look at context of each statement).

• Humility There is no such thing as a proud faith. (Matthew 8:10 NIV)  When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
• Calmness: (Daniel 3:17-18 NIV) If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. {18} But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

     (Matthew 6:30 NIV)  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

     (Mark 4:40 NIV)  He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

     (John 14:1 NIV)  “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

• Whether we Approach God: (Ephesians 3:12 NIV) In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

     (Hebrews 10:22 NIV)  “…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

• Whether we obey God….especially when you don’t understand or agree with what God says. (Romans 1:5 NIV)  Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.

     (Galatians 5:6 NIV)  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

     (1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV)  We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Act on the faith you do have (Luke 17:5-10) don’t focus on size of faith, act in faith.

Allow difficulties to grow faith. I’m inclined to complain or to pray for removal of the difficulty, which is essentially to pray for God to remove the opportunity to grow faith.