Transformed by Truth: Walking by Faith, Not by Sight - 2 Corinthians 5:7
Introduction: A Life of Faith Over Sight
We live in a world that tells us seeing is believing, where people rely on visible evidence to shape their decisions. Yet, in 2 Corinthians 5:7, the Apostle Paul challenges us to live differently: “For we live by believing and not by seeing.” In other words, God calls us to walk by faith, not by sight. This faith-filled life is one of trust, of following God’s guidance even when we can’t see where He’s leading us.
Today, we’ll explore what it truly means to walk by faith, looking at passages throughout Scripture that encourage and equip us to trust God fully. Together, let’s uncover the depth and power of a life anchored in God’s promises rather than our limited human vision.
1. Living by Faith Means Trusting in God’s Glory and Power (2 Corinthians 5:7, Psalm 96:6)
The life of faith begins with understanding who God is and trusting in His power and glory. When Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:7, he is talking to believers who are called to fix their eyes on the eternal, not on the temporary world around them.
Psalm 96:6 (NLT) reminds us: “Honour and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.” The Hebrew words here—hod for honour and hadar for majesty—describe God’s glory and beauty as qualities that inspire awe and reverence. When we walk by faith, we acknowledge that God’s power, not our own strength, will lead us and that His plans are greater than what we see with our limited human eyes.
Imagine a child holding their parent’s hand in a dark room. The child may not be able to see, but they feel safe because they know their parent’s presence is with them. This is a picture of our walk with God. We may not see what lies ahead, but we trust in the One who holds our hand.
“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.” – Corrie Ten Boom
2. Walking by Faith Is Walking in Light (John 8:12, Psalm 36:9)
Walking by faith also means walking in the light that God provides, even when darkness surrounds us. Jesus declares in John 8:12 (NLT): “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” The Greek word used here for “light” is phos, which implies both literal and metaphorical light. Jesus illuminates the path before us, guiding us away from sin and fear and into a life of hope and joy.
Psalm 36:9 (NLT) echoes this truth: “For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.” The psalmist tells us that God is not only our source of life but also the very light that makes life possible. Walking by faith, then, is not walking blindly—it is trusting in the light of Christ to guide our steps, even when we don’t know where they’ll lead.
Just as light dispels darkness, faith drives away fear and doubt. When we place our trust in Jesus, we are assured that we will never walk in darkness, for His light goes before us, making each step secure.
3. Living by Faith Means Embracing Each Day with Joy (Psalm 118:24)
Faith calls us to embrace each day as a gift from God, rejoicing in His provision and His presence. Psalm 118:24 (NLT) says: “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” The Hebrew word samach, translated as “rejoice,” conveys a sense of jubilation and celebration.
When we walk by faith, we acknowledge each day as part of God’s sovereign plan. We might not understand the purpose of our struggles or see the fulfilment of all our prayers, but we trust that each moment is crafted by God’s hand. Embracing each day with joy, then, becomes an act of faith.
Consider a farmer who sows seeds with hope, waiting for the day they will sprout and bear fruit. Though he cannot see what happens beneath the soil, he believes in the process. In the same way, we rejoice daily, even when we can’t see what God is working out in our lives.
“Joy is the serious business of Heaven.” – C.S. Lewis
4. Walking by Faith Means Replacing Fear with Confidence in God (Isaiah 41:10)
Fear is a natural human response to the unknown, yet faith is what equips us to move forward with confidence. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) gives this powerful encouragement: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Here, God promises His presence, strength, and support to those who trust Him.
The Hebrew word for “fear” in this verse is yare—not merely fear in the sense of terror, but anxiety and distress about the future. God addresses these fears by reminding us of His sustaining power. When we walk by faith, we don’t deny our fears; instead, we lay them down before God, knowing that He is our refuge and strength.
The next time you face a challenge, remember this promise. Ask God to replace your fear with confidence and trust, and take a step forward in faith, believing that He is with you.
“God is never blind to your tears, never deaf to your prayers, and never silent to your pain. He sees, He hears, and He will deliver.” – Rick Warren
5. Following Jesus’ Example of Faithful Obedience (1 Peter 2:21)
Finally, walking by faith means following Jesus’ example of faithful obedience. 1 Peter 2:21 (NLT) says: “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” The Greek word used here for “example,” hupogrammos, literally means a pattern or model to trace, as in the way children learn to write by tracing letters.
Jesus’ life exemplified faith; He obeyed the Father’s will even to the point of death. When we walk by faith, we follow this example, trusting that God’s ways, though sometimes challenging, lead to eternal life and joy.
Think of a hiker who trusts a well-worn trail marked by a guide. We walk by faith when we follow Jesus, knowing that He has gone before us, blazing the trail and marking the way. We step where He has stepped, confident in His guidance.
“Jesus’ life was the ultimate example of walking by faith. He followed His Father’s will with unwavering trust.” – John Piper
Conclusion: A Life Fully Lived by Faith
In our journey with Christ, we are called to a radical way of living—walking by faith, not by sight. It means trusting in God’s power, walking in His light, rejoicing in each day, overcoming fear, and following the example of our Saviour, Jesus.
Today, I invite you to commit to this path. Perhaps there’s a situation in your life that seems uncertain or even overwhelming. Take that step of faith. Trust God, lean on His promises, and remember that He walks with you.
Call to Action: If you have never placed your faith in Jesus Christ, today is the day to start. Believe in Him, trust in His Word, and follow Him as your Saviour. Romans 10:9 (NLT) assures us: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
