Walk by Faith: What Does it Look Like to Live in Complete Faith

2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight." 8 words, and it is one of the most powerful and memorable verses in the Bible.

When we take a look at this verse, it is easy to simply read it and move on with our day without taking the time to sit down and truly think about the words and the meaning behind Paul's writing. In the ESV translation, the section heading for the first 10 verses of chapter 5 is "Our Heavenly Dwelling." Let's take a look at the first ten verses.

"For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened– not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very good thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." 2 Corinthians 5-10

Woah. That was a lot of information at once, so let me summarize. In these first ten verses of 2 Corinthians 5, Paul is writing that no matter what pain, tribulations, or suffering we face here on earth in our earthly bodies, it doesn't even come close to the glory of eternal life with Christ. Paul longs to be in his eternal body. But while he is here on earth, his main goal is to please and glorify God with everything he does. He writes that every Christian will face Christ on judgment day and will have to account for their actions while here on earth. A judgment that reveals what one is to receive based on their works while they are in their temporary bodies.

Preaching the word of Christ, Paul endured a lot of suffering; he was stoned, beaten, and thrown in jail, but that did not stop him from spreading the gospel. No. Paul taught with confidence and courage, knowing that in Christ, people are made new.

Walking in faith is not just a decision that is made when life is perfect, or you know the outcome will work in your favor. Walking in faith is a habit. It is choosing to live like Paul and the disciples. It is believing so strongly in the gospel and who Jesus is, yet all the suffering they endured on earth means nothing compared to what is waiting for them after this temporary life has gone away.

Put simply: Refuse to quit even when things get hard. Live with courage. With everything you do, do it to please God, not the world.

There have been times in my life when it has been hard for me to walk in faith. It was easier for me to walk the way society told me to, because it aligned with the plans I had for myself, not the plans God had for me. I soon realized that I was on the wrong path, and God showed me the way out. I'm not saying that I walk in faith every day; I am human, I make mistakes, emotions run high, or I am too exhausted to take the high road. But what has helped me, especially in those times, is having a verse as my phone's screensaver that reminds me every time I look at it that I am not here to live my life for me; I am here to live it for Him. Going to God with my problems before turning to another. Wearing reminders of my faith. Finding small ways to show God through my actions, or simply taking the time to sit in silence or pray whenever my heart feels heavy. I try to build these daily habits to keep walking in faith and stay on the path He has set for me.

Quiet Time Questions 💬

• When life feels uncertain, where do I place my trust first?
• Have I made faith a daily habit, or do I only seek God deeply during difficult seasons?
• What is one area of my life where God may be asking me to take a step of faith right now?
• Am I allowing my circumstances to determine my peace, or am I allowing God’s promises to guide me?
• What would it look like for me to choose faith over fear this week?