What does it mean to walk by faith and not by sight?

Walking by faith and not by sight is a profound and often challenging concept in the Christian journey. The phrase, drawn from 2 Corinthians 5:7, says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (ESV). This passage encapsulates a way of living that is deeply rooted in trust and reliance on God, rather than on our own understanding or the tangible evidence before us.

To walk by faith means to live our lives in a manner that reflects our trust in God's promises, His character, and His guidance, even when we cannot see the outcome or understand the path ahead. It is to believe that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised, regardless of our circumstances or the visible evidence around us.

In Hebrews 11:1, we find a definition of faith: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (ESV). This assurance and conviction are the bedrock of walking by faith. It is an assurance that God is sovereign, loving, and good, and a conviction that His promises will come to pass, even when we cannot see how.

The Bible is replete with examples of individuals who walked by faith. Abraham, for instance, is a quintessential example. In Genesis 12, God called Abraham to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that God would show him. Abraham obeyed, even though he did not know where he was going. Hebrews 11:8-10 recounts this: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith, he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God" (ESV).

Abraham's journey was marked by faith, not by sight. He trusted in God's promise of a future inheritance, even though he did not see it immediately. His life was a testament to the belief that God's promises are sure, even when the path is unclear.

Another powerful example is found in the life of Moses. Hebrews 11:24-27 describes Moses' faith: "By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith, he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible" (ESV).

Moses chose to identify with the people of God and to follow God's calling, even though it meant forsaking the power and wealth of Egypt. His actions were guided by faith in God's promises and a vision of the unseen reward, rather than by the immediate and visible benefits of his position in Pharaoh's household.

Walking by faith also involves a daily, moment-by-moment reliance on God. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (ESV). This passage encourages believers to place their trust wholly in God, rather than relying on their own wisdom or perception. It is a call to acknowledge God's sovereignty and guidance in every aspect of life, trusting that He will direct our steps.

In practical terms, walking by faith means seeking God's guidance through prayer, reading and meditating on His Word, and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It involves making decisions based on biblical principles and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, even when those decisions may not make sense from a worldly perspective.

For instance, a person might feel led to take a job that pays less but allows for greater ministry opportunities or more time with family. From a worldly standpoint, this decision might seem unwise, but from a faith perspective, it reflects a trust in God's provision and a prioritization of His calling.

Similarly, walking by faith might mean forgiving someone who has deeply hurt us, trusting that God will work in their heart and bring healing, even when we see no immediate change. It might mean giving generously, even when our finances are tight, trusting that God will provide for our needs.

Walking by faith also involves enduring trials and suffering with a steadfast trust in God's goodness and purpose. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (ESV). Trials test and strengthen our faith, producing perseverance and maturity. Walking by faith means believing that God is using our trials for our good and His glory, even when we cannot see the immediate outcome.

Moreover, walking by faith requires a community of believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (ESV). The Christian journey is not meant to be walked alone. We need the encouragement, accountability, and support of fellow believers to help us stay the course and grow in our faith.

Christian literature also offers valuable insights into what it means to walk by faith. For instance, in his classic book, "The Pursuit of God," A.W. Tozer writes about the importance of seeking God's presence and trusting in His guidance. Tozer emphasizes that a deep, personal relationship with God is essential for walking by faith. He encourages believers to cultivate a heart that seeks after God and to live in a way that reflects a deep trust in His character and promises.

Similarly, in "The Cost of Discipleship," Dietrich Bonhoeffer speaks about the radical nature of following Christ. Bonhoeffer challenges believers to live out their faith with courage and conviction, even in the face of difficulty and persecution. He underscores that true discipleship involves a willingness to forsake all for the sake of Christ and to trust in His leading, even when it requires great sacrifice.

In conclusion, walking by faith and not by sight is a call to live a life that is deeply rooted in trust and reliance on God. It means believing in God's promises and character, even when we cannot see the outcome or understand the path ahead. It involves seeking God's guidance, making decisions based on biblical principles, enduring trials with steadfast trust, and relying on the support of a community of believers. As we walk by faith, we grow in our relationship with God and become more like Christ, reflecting His love and grace to the world around us.