Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. In 2 Corinthians 5:7, we are reminded of a simple yet profound truth: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” These words call us to live in a way that doesn’t depend on what we can see or understand in the moment but to trust completely in God's unseen hand guiding us.
1. Faith in the Unseen
Walking by faith means trusting in God’s promises, even when our circumstances don’t make sense or when we can’t see the outcome. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as, “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” It’s easy to have faith when everything is going well, but the true test of faith comes in the moments when the path ahead seems unclear or uncertain.
Think about the Israelites in the wilderness. They had no map, no clear understanding of how long they would wander, but God led them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). They had to trust that God was guiding them, even though they couldn’t see the full picture.
In our own lives, we often face seasons where we don’t understand why things are happening the way they are. Maybe it’s a challenge at work, a difficult relationship, or a time of waiting that feels never-ending. In these moments, Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Walking by faith means letting go of the need to understand everything and trusting that God has a purpose for every step we take.
2. Trusting God's Timing
When we walk by sight, we often become impatient, wanting answers and solutions right away. But walking by faith means trusting God’s timing, even when we feel like nothing is happening. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
God’s timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own expectations. In the waiting, He is working—preparing us, strengthening us, and aligning things according to His plan. When we walk by faith, we rest in the knowledge that He is never late. Every moment of waiting is a part of the journey He has mapped out for us, even when we can’t see it yet.
3. Walking by Faith Requires Surrender
One of the biggest challenges of walking by faith is the need to surrender control. We like to know what’s coming next, to have a plan in place, and to see how things will unfold. But walking by faith requires us to surrender those desires and to trust that God is in control.
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God's good plans for us: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” When we surrender our plans to Him, we can walk forward in confidence, knowing that His plans are always for our good, even when they look different from what we expected.
4. Faith Strengthens Us Through Trials
Walking by faith doesn’t mean we will never face difficulties or challenges. In fact, the Bible tells us that trials are often a part of the journey. James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
When we face difficulties, it’s easy to become discouraged if we are walking by sight. But faith allows us to see beyond the immediate struggle and trust that God is using every challenge to strengthen us and deepen our reliance on Him. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Our trials are never wasted when we trust God with them.
5. Faith Leads to Obedience
When we walk by faith, it leads us to a life of obedience to God, even when His commands seem difficult or confusing. Think of Abraham, who was asked by God to leave his home and go to a land he had never seen. Hebrews 11:8 says, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”
Abraham didn’t have a clear map or a timeline, but he trusted God and walked in obedience. Walking by faith means that we step out in obedience, trusting that God knows the way, even when we don’t.
Conclusion: Living a Life of Faith
Walking by faith is not always easy. It requires trust, surrender, patience, and a deep belief in God's goodness and faithfulness. But as we take each step, even when we can’t see the way ahead, we can trust that God is with us, guiding us, and working all things for our good. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” God may not show us the whole journey at once, but He gives us enough light for the next step, and that is enough.
As we walk by faith, not by sight, let us be encouraged by the words of 2 Corinthians 4:18: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Our hope and trust are in God, not in our circumstances. Let’s continue to walk forward in faith, trusting that He will lead us every step of the way.
