Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Scripture: "For we live by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7

The Christian life is fundamentally a life of faith. While the world encourages us to trust only what we can see, measure, and control, God calls us to walk by faith – trusting in His character and promises even when we can't see the full picture. This distinction between walking by faith versus walking by sight shapes every aspect of how we live.

Walking by sight means making decisions based only on visible circumstances, tangible evidence, and human logic. It means trusting only in what we can understand, control, or predict. While this approach might seem safer and more rational, it severely limits our potential and keeps us from experiencing God's power and provision.

Walking by faith doesn't mean ignoring reality or acting irrationally. Faith is not opposed to facts; rather, it interprets facts through the lens of God's truth and character. When we walk by faith, we consider not only what we can see but also what God has revealed about Himself and His promises. We factor in His past faithfulness, His unchanging character, and His eternal perspective.

Abraham is a perfect example of walking by faith rather than sight. When God called him to leave his homeland for a place he had never seen, Abraham couldn't see the destination, but he could trust the One who was leading him. When God promised him descendants as numerous as the stars, Abraham couldn't see how this was possible given his and Sarah's age, but he believed God's promise. His faith wasn't blind; it was grounded in his relationship with God.

Faith often requires us to act before we can see the full outcome. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, the waters didn't part until the priests' feet touched the water. They had to step into the river based on God's promise before they could see His power demonstrated. Similarly, we often have to take steps of obedience before we can see how God will work.

Walking by faith transforms how we view challenges and obstacles. What looks impossible from a human perspective may be exactly what God wants to do to demonstrate His power. When David faced Goliath, everyone else saw an insurmountable problem, but David saw an opportunity for God to show His strength. Faith sees possibilities where sight sees only problems.

This principle applies to every area of life. In our careers, walking by faith might mean pursuing a calling that doesn't seem practical from a worldly perspective. In relationships, it might mean choosing to forgive when we don't feel like it or loving someone who hasn't earned it. In finances, it might mean being generous even when our budget seems tight. In each case, we trust God's wisdom over our own understanding.

Walking by faith doesn't guarantee that life will be easy or that we'll never face difficulties. In fact, faith is often most needed precisely when circumstances are challenging. But faith gives us a different perspective on difficulties. Instead of seeing problems as evidence that God has abandoned us, we see them as opportunities to trust Him more deeply.

Faith grows through exercise. Each time we choose to trust God despite what we can see, our faith becomes stronger. Each time we see God prove faithful, our confidence in Him increases. Each time we step out in obedience and see God provide, we become more willing to trust Him in the future.

It's important to understand that walking by faith is not a one-time decision but a daily choice. Every day we're faced with situations that tempt us to trust only in what we can see and control. Every day we must choose to filter our circumstances through God's truth rather than letting our circumstances determine our faith.

Community plays an important role in walking by faith. When our own faith is weak, we can lean on the faith of other believers. When we're struggling to see God's faithfulness, others can remind us of His past provision. When we're tempted to walk by sight, fellow believers can encourage us to trust in God's promises.

The ultimate example of walking by faith is our salvation itself. We can't see Jesus physically, we can't prove empirically that our sins are forgiven, and we can't demonstrate scientifically that we have eternal life. Yet we believe these truths because of God's promise and the testimony of His Spirit in our hearts.

Today, consider areas where you might be walking more by sight than by faith. What circumstances are tempting you to trust only in what you can see? How might God be calling you to step out in faith despite uncertain outcomes?

Prayer: Lord, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. When I'm tempted to trust only in what I can see and control, remind me of Your faithfulness and promises. Give me courage to step out in obedience even when I can't see the full outcome. Strengthen my faith through each experience of Your faithfulness. Help me to see my circumstances through the lens of Your truth rather than letting my circumstances define my faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.