Statement:
Trusting God when I don't understand what is going on.
(2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV) 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.'
Hebrew / Greek Word Study
Focus Word: Faith = ּ(πίστεως (pisteōs) = (Greek / phonetic sound)
Strongs Definition G4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness
The same Greek word (G4102) is also used in these scriptures and many more!
Matt 8:10
Mark 2:5
Luke 5:20
Acts 3:15
Romans 1:8
Scripture Thoughts:
Walking by faith is so different than what is normal for all born into this world, especially for those born able to see physically. Our ability to see is a natural attribute within the human body that helps us to navigate life daily on a consistent basis. It is natural for us to rely on all of our senses, and with sight being one of them, we have learned to rely upon and trust in its ability to help us to make certain decisions and take certain actions in our lives. When I first became Christian and started to look at this verse, I could not conceive what the Lord was asking me to do regarding this scripture. Am I supposed to close my eyes and move differently now that Jesus is my Lord and Savior? Certainly not; why would God give me eyes and then tell me not to use them? That doesn't make any sense.
As I have developed more understanding of God's Word, I realize that God is not telling me to forsake my natural sight but that my natural sight cannot be used to perceive everything. This means we are to use our natural sight to perceive things that are natural and of this world, and we are to use faith to perceive things that are spiritual and outside of the natural things of this world. Walking by faith and not by sight means that we are supposed to put our faith and trust in God regardless of what we naturally see. We naturally sense things through our five (5) senses (touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight), but the Lord wants us also to understand when you are Christian and belong to Him, there are going to be times when you must trust solely in your faith even when they go against your natural senses.
(John 4:24 NKJ) '24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.' God himself can only be sensed spiritually! Believe it or not, this takes a leap of faith for the new believer, especially when you first give your life to God. This is because there is no way for you to reach God naturally. You may sense Him in some of the creations of this world but still have no way to commune or see Him naturally. Only by faith can you commune, hear His voice, and place your faith in Him. (John 10:27 ESV) '27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.) God is Spirit, and therefore can only truly be reached spiritually. As Christians, we now must learn how to see from a spiritual perspective, and this is going to require that we walk by faith and not by natural sight when it comes to God and His Word.
In (Psalms 23:4 ESV) '4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.' King David was walking by faith and not by sight. If David were walking based on what he was seeing, he would have never moved. David was often outnumbered and out-gunned, so to speak, when he went into battles. But because he trusted in the Lord, he was able to face insurmountable giants in his life and overcome them with the help that can only come from God. David learned how to move by faith in his life regardless of what the optics of his situation looked like naturally.
My Thoughts:
In this lifetime, if we are going to be able to be used by God, we have to be able to walk by faith and trust in God. We will not be able to achieve what He wants us to if we don't move based on faith. (Hebrews 11:6 ESV) 'And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.' I have learned in my Christian life over the last twenty (20) years that our greatest accomplishments with Lord will always require us to step out on faith. We will have to learn to trust in Him with everything we have, especially when our natural senses tell us that something is happening differently or to do something different. The Lord and His Word must continually be first in our lives, and we must always do our best to keep Him in that place. The Lord is not telling us to deny everything we naturally see or feel; He is just asking us to trust in Him more than what we naturally see and feel.
We learn to walk by faith step by step; as our faith grows, so does our trust and belief in the Lord. The key to growing in this area is to allow God and His Word to develop you. God knows exactly who you are and how you tick. As He leads you in the development process, don't look for the easy way out of your trials, look for the Godly way, and He will lead you to a greater understanding of who He is. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV) '5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.'
Extra Scripture To Study:
John 10
John 4
Psalms 23
Hebrews 11
Additional Information:
Closing Thoughts:
These are a few great scriptures to study and meditate on. We gain more understanding of God and His Word when we seek to know Him better. As you study the Bible, look at how much God loves us and is willing to give everything to come after us. It's time for you to become whole and live the fullness of life the Lord has for you.
Challenge:
This week daily, take some time to pray and ask God for help regarding His word and become receptive to it. The next step is to act on His Word and continue to be the Son or Daughter He has called you to be.
Take Care Family,
Pastor Charles
©Copyright Charles R. Myles II 2022
Check Out The Book "Wounded Soul: Death Lived Inside Me" by Pastor Charles Myles
Also Available on Amazon.