What Does It Mean to Walk by Faith, Not by Sight?
One of the most pivotal practices in a believer’s life is to walk by faith. The New Testament is filled with teaching on faith, a pillar of Christianity. Since we cannot please God without faith, it’s necessary not only to know what it is but also how to practice it daily. The Bible’s definition of faith is in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
What this teaches is that faith is always “now” or in the present and is not based on things that you can physically see. It’s based on your expectation of receiving what God has promised to you in His word. Faith begins where the will of God is known; therefore, faith is confidence that God’s promises are yours.
To walk by sight is to believe only what you see. That isn’t faith at all because if you can see it, there’s no need to expect it. But to walk by faith means you believe God for what you don’t see.
You’ve probably heard phrases instructing you to develop a relationship with God. This is necessary. However, having a relationship with someone does not mean closeness. You have a relationship through birth with your relatives, but you don’t ever talk to some of them. Fellowship implies friendship, closeness, and communication.
When you wake up in the morning, you have a desire to talk with God, so you go to a quiet place in your home to pray and bask in His presence. You commune with Him throughout the day, and through His word by reading and studying scripture, which renews your mind to the things of God. Instead of focusing on negative things that give no hope, you turn your thoughts to the things of God that provide hope and peace beyond understanding. To walk by faith, you must fellowship with God.
Know His Word
Knowing the word of God is key for believers who want to mature in faith. Paul talks about babes in Christ. When believers come to Christ, they are all considered babes who must grow spiritually by reading the word, spending time with God, and attending church. Believers can remain in a state of spiritual immaturity if they fail to develop their faith. It is up to believers, not God, to ensure they’re growing and maturing in faith.
God has given each of us free will, and He does not override it. He leads us gently, but does not control us. Therefore, Christians determine how much they will walk with God by the time they give to their spiritual development. One way God speaks to us is through His word. If you don’t know His word, you won’t walk by faith.
Trust His Word
Not only must we read the word, but we must believe it is THE truth. John 17:17 declares God’s word is truth. “True” is different than “truth.” It is true that where I am right now, the sun is shining, but that won’t be true later today. Truth is unchanging. God’s word remains the same. Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” To walk by faith, you must believe His word is truth, no matter who or what contradicts it.
Otherwise, you have no foundation for your faith to stand on. You must develop your faith; babes don’t grow and reach maturity overnight. It’s a process. Christians must develop in the things of God to become skilled. The first step is believing God’s word. Skill comes from practice. Skill gives you the ability to walk by faith.
Practice His Word
As important as it is to believe and have faith in God’s word, it does no good if you don’t obey it. The Bible declares that faith without works is dead. Check out James 2:13-17 in the ERV:
14 My brothers and sisters, if a person claims to have faith but does nothing, that faith is worth nothing. Faith like that cannot save anyone. 15 Suppose a brother or sister in Christ comes to you in need of clothes or something to eat.
16 And you say to them, “God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,” but you don’t give them the things they need. If you don’t help them, your words are worthless. 17 It is the same with faith. If it is just faith and nothing more—if it doesn’t do anything—it is dead.
In the Bible, faith is an action word, so it requires something of you. You can say “I believe God’s word” all day long, but if you never act on it, it won’t profit you. The bible declares that it’s the doer of the word who’s blessed, not the hearer only. For example, the Bible instructs believers not to be consumed with anger and bitterness, so if these feelings are in control, you do not walk by faith.
Rely on the Holy Spirit
Walking by faith is not a self-willed practice. It requires help from the Holy Spirit, the third person in the Holy Trinity. In John 14, Christ says the Holy Spirit is our Helper, Comforter, Teacher, and Guide. He guides us into a greater understanding of God’s word. To walk by faith requires that we listen to the Holy Spirit.
We must trust His guidance to lead us. He will lead you from your spirit, and if you follow His guidance, you will begin to walk by faith.
It’s up to You
Walking by faith and not by sight is a spiritual skill. To become proficient, we have a responsibility to put His word into practice and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Many times, people leave the responsibility of their spiritual maturity up to God. This is not the right approach. God has His part, and we have ours.
To understand this more, you must fellowship with God, know His word, and believe it. Also, find a good faith church that helps you mature spiritually. Look beyond what your eyes can see. Then practice God’s word, rely on the Holy Spirit, and walk by faith.
