Walk by faith
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
This scripture seems simple on the surface, but if we break it down, it actually goes much deeper. The first phrase is: We walk by faith. What does that mean? We know that faith is the evidence of things hoped for but not seen according to Hebrews 11:1 and we know that faith comes by hearing God’s Word according to Romans 10:17. So combining those scriptures gives a clearer understanding of the first phrase of the verse. Our life steps are taken after hearing from God either from His written Word or inward witness of the Holy Spirit.
The second part of the verse says: We DO NOT walk by sight. This simply means we do not place our hope or make choices according to our physical senses. We do not make decisions based on how we feel, what we see in the natural world, or based on logic or other people’s thoughts and advise.
I could give many examples of this from my own personal experience, but I want to talk about one that changed the course of my life. Several years ago, I had a legal matter in my life that had to be settled in the court system. I hired an attorney for advice and representation based on the laws and her legal expertise. As we advanced in the process of court hearings and corresponding with the other side’s attorney, things were stressful and in the natural, it didn’t look like it was going in my favor. I was frustrated and angry, but instead of pushing harder in the courts, I cried out to God, then I sat and listened.
As I pressed into Him, I heard Him on the inside of my heart ask, “What is it that you want to accomplish?” (God is so amazing; He never gets stressed out or panicked no matter how frantic I am). I had to think about the answer because I thought I was fighting for what I wanted to accomplish. However, in my heart I was feeling that my life couldn’t be right with God until this was settled and that is what I wanted most of all. The court issue was the surface of a much deeper struggle in my heart.
As I honestly talked with Him about all that was in my heart, the Lord impressed on me to get the matter out of the courts. What? That didn’t make sense to me. That was like giving up all my rights and losing for sure. That’s when I remembered this verse and thought, if that’s what God said to do, then I know He will take care of the situation.
After more prayer, God and I came up with a settlement plan and the issue was resolved peacefully and quietly. I still didn’t feel like I had won, but I did feel like I could get my life in order, and I knew God was helping me. I wouldn’t see the results of my “step of faith” in obeying God’s words until years later. In fact, seven years later and even still today I am seeing fruit from that decision. Had I gone on the path I was heading down, I would have been in a big mess financially, emotionally, and spiritually, still not having the results I was desiring. I am so thankful that God heard me when I cried and more importantly, I heard and listened to His direction. It’s one thing that God hears you, it is an entirely different thing when you hear and by faith follow Him. Now you know the reason why I want everyone to know how important it is to “hear” from God before making life decisions. Not only does it bring peace into your heart, but it ensures the peace of your future. God knows what He’s doing, we just need to learn how to hear, listen and obey.
Today I want to encourage you to listen to God’s direction. Whatever you are facing in life, take time to talk with God about it. Not only talk to God about it but listen for that inner wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him for scripture to back up what you think He said and don’t be surprised if it doesn’t make sense right away. God see the “big picture” and gives wisdom from that vantage point. One thing is for sure, you can trust Him! He is always looking out for your best interest! The truth is, if you learn how to hear and obey God’s voice in life, then you can have a life of heaven on earth. It doesn’t mean you will have less struggles; it simply means you can hear the direction to get you through them all.
Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-8
The Daily Dose 