In the journey of life, there is a special way of walking that goes beyond just using our eyes. It is called “walking by faith, not by sight.” This phrase is found in the Bible, and it is like a guide for believers on how to navigate through life. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) says, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” But what does walking by faith or living by faith mean? How can believers focus on walking by faith and avoid walking by sight?
Walking by faith does not mean we should close our eyes and stumble around blindly! Instead, it’s about how we trust and live our lives. Walking by faith means we believe and rely on God even when we cannot see everything clearly, like having a special kind of trust. It is choosing not to rely on our own understanding and fully trusting God’s guidance and direction. Walking by faith is fully living our lives not the way we want but in a way that aligns with the will of the Lord.
We have many examples in the Bible of people we can learn from on how to walk or live by faith. Consider Abraham, the father of faith, who was asked to leave his hometown and move to an unknown place. If Abraham was not walking by faith, we can all agree that he would not have obeyed God’s instruction to go where He was asking him to go. However, since he lived by faith, he chose to ignore his physical intuitions and what the world would say. Abraham only chose to obey the voice of the Lord and the other voices meant nothing to him.
Another perfect example of an individual who lived by faith is Job. Despite all the disasters and tragedies that befell him and his family, he chose to see beyond what his physical eyes could see. Not even the insults from his friends and his wife could be able to shake his faith. If he wasn’t walking by faith, he could have denounced God and chosen a different path. Job could have felt that God had abandoned him and he could have cursed him.
In Hebrews 10:38 (NIV), the Bible says, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” God says that the righteous shall live by faith, and all shall be well with them. You see, living by faith is not in vain. Even though our faith may be tested, in the long run, good things happen.
Here’s how we can live by faith;
· Trusting God’s Plan
Life is like a big puzzle, and sometimes we cannot see the whole picture. Walking by faith means trusting that God has a plan for us, even when we don’t understand it. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) says, “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.” Even when things seem confusing, we trust that God’s got it all figured out. Walking by faith is not looking for the plan but fixing our gaze on the Lord, the master planner of every aspect of our lives. It is not crying and complaining over our inability to handle things but trusting that God will make a way even when it seems like there is no way.
· Finding Peace in Tough Times
Life is not always a smooth ride; there are bumps and twists that can make us feel scared or worried. But walking by faith means finding peace in the middle of the storm. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Even when things are tough, we can trust that God is with us, and this will bring a special kind of peace. Maintaining our calm and peace in challenging situations shows that our peace is not defined by what happens but by the power of God to intervene.
· Making Decisions Based on God’s Word
Imagine having a guidebook for life; for every aspect of life, including the small and the big. Well, we do—the Bible! The Bible is the guidebook for every believer and it contains instructions and teachings that guide us. Walking by faith means making choices based on what God’s Word says. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” God’s Word helps us see the right way to go, even when the road ahead seems unclear. So, we trust and follow the guidance we find in the Bible. A person who lives by faith does not just read the bible and put it aside or only during Sunday services. Rather, they read the Bible and practice what is written in it.
· Believing in God’s Love, No Matter What
Life can throw some hard punches and we might wonder if anyone really cares. We may feel abandoned, neglected, and unloved by God. Often, when challenges arise in a person’s life, they ask, “Why is this happening to me?” or “Why has God abandoned me?” They lose faith in God’s love for them and some even move away from Him. However, walking by faith means believing in God’s love, no matter what happens in your life. If you can wake up in the morning knowing that you are going through a tough time but still acknowledge God’s love and mercy which are new every morning, then you are walking by faith. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Even when things go wrong, we trust that God’s love is always there, holding us close. Amid everything that was happening in Job’s life, he still acknowledged the existence of God. He said, “I know my redeemer lives.” This is what living by faith means.
· Growing Through Challenges
Life’s challenges can sometimes feel like big mountains we cannot climb. But walking by faith means believing that even in tough times, we can grow stronger. James 1:2-4 (NIV) 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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Joseph faced many challenges but he persevered through them all. He took his challenges as avenues for growth and opportunities to move even closer to God. So, even when things are hard, we trust that God is using those challenges to make us better, like a plant growing through the cracks in the sidewalk.
· Walking by Faith Means Embracing Humility
Living by faith is not just about believing in a higher power. Rather, it is about acknowledging and embracing the sovereignty and power of the Lord over our lives. To walk by faith means to recognize that there is a divine plan, a higher authority guiding our steps. It is an admission that we are not in control of everything and that there is a kind of wisdom beyond our understanding.
Embracing humility is an essential aspect of walking by faith. It involves acknowledging our limitations and surrendering our plans to God’s greater purpose. In humility, we come to understand that our wisdom is limited, and the Lord’s ways surpass our comprehension. This recognition fosters a deep sense of dependence on God’s guidance and a willingness to submit to His will.
Claiming to live by faith while neglecting the acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty is like trying to navigate a ship without recognizing the existence of the captain. True faith involves humility – a humble recognition that we need the Lord to steer our course. As we embrace this humility, we open ourselves to the power of faith and allow God to lead us with His wisdom and grace. In acknowledging His sovereignty, we find strength, guidance, and a deeper connection to the One who holds our lives in His hands.
Conclusion
Walking by faith, not by sight, is like having a special pair of glasses that help us see the world differently. It is about trusting God even when we can’t see everything clearly and believing that His plan is good. By making choices based on God’s Word, believing in His love, and growing through challenges, believers can walk confidently, knowing that even if they cannot see every step, God is right there. So, let us put on our faith glasses and take each step courageously.
