Have you wanted to walk by faith, not by sight? Most Christians have heard this in life. And it’s a great goal, because the idea comes right out of the Bible.
The verse is located in 2 Corinthians 5:7, where Paul is describing our temporal home, which he explains is the earth and the body. He’s comparing it to the incredible hope of one day living in heaven with God and how amazing it will be. Paul is explaining, “Of course, we know it is true but sometimes it’s hard to accept it based on our earthly difficulties and circumstances.” But Paul concludes that you can walk by faith (what we often don't see) instead of by sight (what we do see). Most people would all agree that’s what we should do. So how does this happen?
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Let's discuss 3 steps that will make this clear for you. Today many people want clear vision for their lives. They want the course Jesus has prepared for them and also learn how to make an impact. And others also want to know how circumstances will play out.
Also, most of us want to understand how He remedy our desperate circumstances. So can we know? Should we expect to have details to the unknown since we are admonished to walk by faith not by sight? Well, it depends. Here are 3 keys which are needed if you’re going to do what the Apostle Paul talked about.
1: Faith rests on God's word
The initial step to walking by faith is believing that a desired outcome will be realized, despite of what you might see presently. By definition, “faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) But what shall you put faith in? Everybody has goals. At times we desire for a thing to take place and then assume it’s God’s will. We put our assurance in it coming about, but are sometimes disappointed when it doesn’t occur.
How can this be avoided? Make sure to make the distinction between something God has Himself promised you versus it being a wish. For example, God told Abram to leave his long time residence and sojourn to a place that God would later reveal to him. Abram’s faith was built upon on what God told him, not his own idea
It can be hard to discern the difference from our thoughts and God’s thoughts, so it’s vital to first present our plans to Him and ask for assurance that God is in favor of our decisions. Faith must start by resting on a God idea, not a personal plan. It’s sometimes hard to know, but this is a skill you can hone and you’ll realize more over time. Need Tools? Access FREE and powerful resources, click here
2. Faith is tested and will present you with a decision to make
Shortly after you determine your faith goal, circumstances will test your mind. The Apostle realized that faith requires a decision to stand strong even when it seems unlikely. To this point he discussed in Romans 8:24, “…hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for the thing they already have?” I am not sure about what you think, but I don’t take delight in uncertainty. It’s hard. It seems like others around us have it easier than we do. Instead, we often think that our life is more challenging than theirs.
The verse we just read says that it’s easy to have assurance in what you already see, but that doesn’t require much faith, does it? On the contrary, walking by faith inevitably brings us face to face with circumstances that test our belief because things appear very different than the thing we pursued. To recall Abram, he had faith that God would provide him with a heir because God had so promised. Despite the promise, God waited until Abram was beyond his natural childbearing years that he didn’t have the natural ability to make a child!
In this dilemma, Abram had a moment of truth. Was he going to give up walking by faith and instead choose sight, or was Abram going to believe God to accomplish His word to him? Despite Abram making some errors, much like we do, God’s grace finally prevailed. Abram trusted God and the story is now history. If you know God, you are a beneficiary of Abraham’s fulfilled promise today. Faith means hoping in the promise when it's difficult, but hang on, because it’s worth waiting.
3. Faith demands trusting in God
Perhaps the most difficult part about walking by faith and not sight is that it means we must trust. Trust isn’t difficult by itself, however it can be especially difficult if you've been betrayed by others. We often think God is similar to other people who have promised one thing, yet did something entirely different. We’ve all had it happen before. A person that we know makes a promise to you and we expect them to complete it. But then they go back on their commitment.
It’s never enjoyable when others change their minds and go back on their word, and this affects our trust and confidence over time. If you don't watch out, this can also affect one's ability to trust God. So what can be done about it? You must mend build up disrupted expectations from our past and choose to believe God regardless. Trust in Him is the bottom line way to walk by faith and not by what you see. Proverbs 3:5-6 explains to:
“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 ways straight.”
Living by faith demands that we put aside our ideas at times and trust in Him anyway. This is hard, but it’s worth the risk. If you have a situation at this time and you can’t conceive how it's gonna be fixed, decide to trust in Him the best you can. small amount that you can come up with and do inconceivable things. All is needed is faith the amount of a mustard seed.
Summary:
So do you intend to walk by faith not by sight? Give attention to these 3 tips in your present circumstance.
-Place your faith on a promise.
-Anticipate circumstances to test your faith, but decide to believe regardless.
-Invest your trust in Him, not in yourself.
I realize past issues can make this extremely tough, but if you need added resources breaking free from unfulfilled expectations you might want to check out this eBook.
No matter what you do, don’t give up and continue advancing. Despite our mistakes (like Abram), He is merciful even when we’re not. (1 Timothy 2:13) Let that be your confidence, and know that what God's word has declared, He is able to complete. It's what he told Abram, and that’s the same thing God has promised to us as well. You can be victorious!
Need more faith and encouragement? Be sure to check out our main site for tips, articles, and FREE tools to help you walk by faith not by sight
