Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Introduction:
Faith is at the heart of the Christian life. It is what sets believers apart from the world, not just in what we believe but in how we live. To walk by faith means to live with complete trust in God’s promises, even when those promises are not yet visible. It means moving forward in obedience, even when we don’t fully understand what God is doing. In this sermon, we will explore the meaning of walking by faith, why it is essential for every believer, and how we can practically live out this principle in our daily lives.
1. What Does It Mean to Walk by Faith?
To walk by faith is to live with confidence in the unseen. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is not merely wishful thinking or blind optimism; it is rooted in the assurance that God is who He says He is and that His promises are true.
When the Bible speaks of “walking,” it refers to the way we conduct our lives—our decisions, actions, and attitudes. Walking by faith, then, means that every aspect of our lives is influenced by our trust in God, not by what we can see with our physical eyes. Our circumstances may be uncertain, but we know that God is always faithful.
Faith Goes Beyond Sight
Walking by sight means relying on what is visible and tangible—our own understanding, resources, and circumstances. But walking by faith requires looking beyond the natural and trusting in the supernatural power of God. Sight is limited to what is immediate, but faith taps into the eternal perspective of God.
The Israelites had to learn this lesson during their journey to the Promised Land. When they encountered the Red Sea, they saw only an obstacle in front of them and the Egyptian army behind them. But Moses, by faith, trusted that God would make a way where there seemed to be no way (Exodus 14:13-16). God parted the waters, demonstrating that faith opens doors that sight cannot.
2. Why We Are Called to Walk by Faith
Faith Pleases God
In Hebrews 11:6, we read that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” God desires for His children to trust Him completely. Walking by faith reflects our dependence on God’s character and His Word, rather than on our circumstances or abilities. It is an act of surrender, acknowledging that God knows best and that His ways are higher than our own.
Throughout Scripture, we see that God responds to faith. Whether it’s the faith of Abraham when he left his homeland without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8), or the faith of the centurion who believed Jesus could heal his servant with just a word (Matthew 8:5-13), faith moves the heart of God. Walking by faith brings us into alignment with His will, and it opens the door for God to work powerfully in our lives.
Faith Overcomes Fear
Walking by faith frees us from the grip of fear. When we rely solely on what we can see, fear often takes over. We fear the unknown, we fear failure, and we fear not being in control. But faith allows us to release that fear and rest in the assurance that God is in control.
One of the clearest examples of faith overcoming fear is found in the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:28-31). When Jesus called Peter out of the boat during the storm, Peter’s faith in Jesus enabled him to step onto the water. However, when Peter took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the wind and waves, he began to sink. Jesus then reached out to rescue him, saying, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
The lesson here is that faith enables us to rise above our circumstances, but when we focus on the storms of life instead of on Jesus, we begin to falter. Walking by faith requires fixing our eyes on Christ, not on the challenges around us.
Faith Produces Perseverance
Walking by faith strengthens our perseverance. Life’s journey is filled with trials and uncertainties, but faith keeps us anchored in God’s promises. In Romans 5:3-4, we are told that suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character, which leads to hope. Faith empowers us to endure hardships, knowing that God is at work even in our darkest moments.
Consider the life of Joseph. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and thrown into prison. Yet, Joseph walked by faith, trusting in God’s plan even when his situation seemed hopeless. In the end, God elevated him to a position of great authority, fulfilling the dreams Joseph had received as a young man. Walking by faith often means waiting patiently for God’s timing, even when it seems like nothing is happening.
3. How to Walk by Faith in Daily Life
1. Trust in God’s Promises
The foundation of walking by faith is knowing and trusting God’s promises. Spend time in His Word, and let Scripture shape your understanding of who God is and what He has promised. When doubts arise, remind yourself of His faithfulness in the past and His unchanging nature. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
2. Surrender Control
Walking by faith means letting go of the need to control every aspect of your life. It requires surrendering your plans, desires, and anxieties to God. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”
Sometimes, we struggle to walk by faith because we want to see the full picture before taking the next step. But God often reveals His plans one step at a time. Trust that He will guide you, even if you don’t have all the answers right now.
3. Pray for Faith to Grow
Faith is a gift from God, and it grows through a deepening relationship with Him. In Luke 17:5, the disciples asked Jesus, “Increase our faith!” Likewise, we should ask God to strengthen our faith, especially during times of uncertainty and difficulty.
Prayer connects us to the source of our faith—Jesus Christ. Through prayer, we can pour out our fears, doubts, and struggles before God, and receive His peace and assurance. The more we rely on Him in prayer, the more our faith is built up.
4. Take Small Steps of Obedience
Walking by faith doesn’t always mean taking giant leaps; sometimes it’s about taking small steps of obedience, trusting that God will guide the way. Each act of obedience strengthens our faith for the next step. Whether it’s forgiving someone, serving others, or stepping out of your comfort zone in faith, each small act of obedience is an opportunity to trust God more deeply.
Conclusion: Trusting God in the Journey
Walking by faith, not by sight, is an ongoing journey of trusting God with our lives. It requires us to look beyond what is seen and believe in the promises of the unseen God. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, let us remember that God is faithful, His promises are true, and His ways are higher than ours.
No matter where you are on your journey—whether you are facing uncertainty, battling fear, or waiting for God to fulfill His promises—know that God is with you. He is calling you to walk by faith, trusting Him every step of the way.
Prayer: "Lord, help us to walk by faith and not by sight. Strengthen our trust in You, even when the road ahead is unclear. Help us to surrender control and rely fully on Your promises, knowing that You are always faithful. Increase our faith, Lord, and guide us as we follow Your path for our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
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