“Walk by Faith”
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:1-7
“For we walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7
If you’ve ever been told to “have faith,” it may have been in an effort to encourage you. People have often shared this phrase to try and get others to embrace a more positive outlook on a seemingly dismal circumstance. But faith is not about wishing for your desired outcome in a situation. Faith is based on the Word, and must be built up over time.
In the book of 2 Corinthians, Paul pens a letter to the church in Corinth and details the personal afflictions he endured in the course of ministry. What he experienced was so treacherous, he was unsure if he would survive. At first sight of his situation, many may become discouraged and fixate on the negative aspects. Nonetheless, Paul is able to remain encouraging to the people, highlighting that he was able to go through hardships because of the faith he possessed.
The verse “walk by faith and not by sight” teaches us that faith is the standard for which we are to live. Our actions must be regulated by our faith.That is the hallmark of who we are as children of God. And that standard will always be belief based on the Word of God. For this reason, even though we did not personally witness the resurrection, we believe that Jesus gave us the victory and conquered death at the cross. Therefore, we can walk in righteousness because we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6). Likewise, because Jesus is the Lord of our lives, we do not live for ourselves but we live to glorify Him (Galatians 2:20). As such, with the Word as our standard for living, we know that we maintain the right perspective in the mundane actions and choices that we may have previously disregarded. In this way, our lives encompass the bigger picture.
Moreover, if we make a commitment to walk by faith and not by sight, our lives will not simply be about the time we pass on this earth, but will be preparation as we await the greater eternal experience ahead. With this in mind, we must continually acknowledge that we are to focus on matters of eternal importance. There has to be a shift in priorities and a shift in our mindsets so as to emphasize the things of God. In doing so, we will conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27). Since the ultimate goal is to live like Jesus and make it to heaven, that prospect ought to encourage us to live in accordance with the will of God. Only then can we truly receive the reward in store for us as we live in the way that pleases Him.
Reflection
Are you walking by faith and not by sight?
How will you allow the Word to shape more of your daily living and actions?
Prayer: Father God, I am so grateful for the promise I have in You. Thank You God that regardless of the afflictions I may face in my walk and in ministry, I know it’s for Your glory. I pray God that faith will continue to shape my perspective and the way that I walk. In Jesus name, Amen.
Written by Deborah Nimoh
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