Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
"While we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen: for the things, which are, seen are temporal; but the things, which are not seen, are eternal. For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 4:18; 5:7)
The Christian life is a walk. It is comprised of
day-by-day steps from where we are to where the Lord wants us to go (both
spiritually and geographically). This walk is undertaken by faith, not by
sight. "We walk by faith, not by sight."
Walking by sight is the natural manner by which human beings walk. This is
true both for literal walking, as well as for taking the proverbial journey
through life. When engaged in physical walking, people rely upon visual data
(along with input from other human senses: like sound, smell, and touch).
Likewise, as the unredeemed are engaged in their trek through life, they set
their course and proceed by that which their natural abilities provide. We
who know the Lord Jesus Christ cannot walk in this manner in His kingdom. We
must walk by faith, by depending upon our Lord, His word, and the work of
grace by His Holy Spirit. Spiritual progress is made "while we do not look
at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen."
So often, things are not as they appear to be in the natural. Consider
Joseph being sold to slave traders by his jealous and deceitful brothers. It
did not look like Joseph was being groomed to be Prime Minister in Egypt.
Think of Pharaoh and his army closing in on Israel, as they were trapped
beside the Red Sea. It did not look like Israel would be delivered, while
the Egyptian army would be destroyed. Remember young David standing before
gigantic Goliath. It did not look like the giant would be defeated, while
David would enjoy a thorough victory. Only eyes of faith could really
appreciate what was actually happening.
The cross of our Lord Jesus is undoubtedly the greatest example of things
not always being what they appear to be. As Jesus hung upon the cross, it
appeared that godless men had defeated the godliest man that ever lived.
"Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders
and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also
know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of
God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain" Acts
2:22-23. Yet, in fact, God was at work, preparing a resurrection victory
over sin and death for all who would believe in "Whom God raised up,
having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should
be held by it" (Acts 2:24).
Heavenly Father, I want to walk with You by faith. I desire to respond to
the circumstances of life by what You have said in Your word and by what You
are able to do. Too many times, I have set my course by sight, relying upon
the appearance of things. Teach me to trust in You more and more, in Jesus'
name, Amen.
Rev. Telema W. Okobi,
President Gentle Flame Evangelistic Association www.gentleflame.com