We are visual creatures. Once we see something, it’s easier to believe it. We tend to live by the common concept that “seeing is believing.” But is that what the Word teaches us? Is this faith? The essence of faith believes something is real without having seen it – seeing it with the eyes of faith rather than natural eyes. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
This short verse gives us a lot to think about. Paul wrote these words knowing that we all have a tendency to walk by sight rather than by faith. Although his letter was directed to the Corinthians, these eight short words still reverberate throughout the centuries . . . faith is seeing that which cannot be seen with our natural eyes and believing that it is.
Our eyes tell us that our circumstance is too difficult and we’re defeated. Faith tells us that there is nothing too difficult for our God and He has already won for us the victory. Our eyes tell us that the doctor’s report gives us little hope. Faith says “I will believe the report of the Lord”. Our eyes tell us that our children are lost. Faith tells us that God’s promises are true and “when they are old they will not depart” from the Lord.
Keep in mind that God leads us into and through times where our faith is tested and tried. We need to walk through this in order for the Lord to show us His mighty arm in the midst of our circumstances, revealing to us His ability to perform His Word and proving His integrity. It’s a necessary part of the process of growing in our knowledge of Him – growing in a relationship that gives us the strength to endure knowing that we are never alone or forsaken.
If you think about it, fixing our gaze on the Author and Finisher of our faith will certainly cause awareness of our life’s circumstances to fade. Faith will spring forth and doubt will flee. Standing on the promises of God, clinging to Him through faith, and pursuing relationship with Him will lead us to victory over fear and doubt. Those things which are seen by sight will give way to that which is seen by faith.
We have a command, not a suggestion, to walk by faith knowing that our Heavenly Father is very able to keep us even in the midst of our darkest hour. Don’t let your eyes deceive you but cling to His promises . . . “walk by faith, not by sight.” Turn your eyes upon Jesus . . . and the things of earth will grow strangely dim . . . ”
Heavenly Father, my flesh grows weak and my faith fades so easily. Lord, help me to keep my gaze fixed on You and Your promises so my circumstances won’t overwhelm me. My heart’s sole desire is to serve You, to love You, to worship You, not only in deed, but through steadfast faith in Your ability to keep me through it all. I love you, Lord. Amen.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
© Jan Ross
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