Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your goals seem impossible, and the path ahead appears daunting? Reading through 2 Corinthians 5:7, which says, “For we live by faith, not by sight,” reminds me of a recent experience that profoundly illustrated the power of faith in achieving the impossible. This blog post is about that journey and how living by faith and not by sight can transform your life.
A Leap of Faith
At the beginning of the year, I set a big goal for myself. It was a goal that, under normal circumstances, would require a miracle to achieve. I threw myself into the task, doing everything humanly possible to make it happen. But I knew I needed more than just my efforts; I needed divine intervention. So, I sought God’s guidance and help.
During one of my prayer times, I felt an instruction to praise God daily with the song “Jesus Iye” by Nathaniel Bassey. This became my routine; every morning during my drive to work, I would sing and praise God with that song. It felt uplifting and filled me with hope.
However, as time passed, things didn’t seem to be moving in the right direction. Anxiety began to creep in, and I started doubting whether I had truly heard from God. One Wednesday, during a church service, I prayed fervently, seeking reassurance and direction. During that service, a word was spoken that pierced my heart: “Faithful is He who has spoken, who is able to do what He has promised.” To my amazement, the service concluded with the song “Jesus Iye,” the same song I had been singing since the beginning of the year. I took this as a divine confirmation and continued my praise.
About a month later, the miracle I had been praying for was delivered. It was an extraordinary moment that reaffirmed my belief in the power of living by faith and not by sight.
Holding On to the Promise
The Bible encourages us to hold on to God’s promises, even when they seem delayed. Habakkuk 2:3 says, “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
When you receive a word from God, it may sometimes seem like nothing is happening. The delay can lead to doubt and anxiety, but the Bible teaches us to remain steadfast and wait for God’s timing.
What Do You Do While Waiting?
- Be in Right Standing with God: Psalm 1:1-3 emphasizes the importance of walking righteously with God. “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” Being in right standing with God helps us to be aligned with His will and prepares us for His blessings.
- Declare His Promise to you and Praise Him: Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “the tongue has the power of life and death.” Continually declaring God’s promises, praising Him, and thanking Him for what He is going to do is a powerful way to strengthen our faith and keep our focus on His promises. Here are some Bible verses you can confess during difficult times.
- Keep Your Focus on God and Not on Your Circumstances: In Matthew 14:29-30, Peter walked on water towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink. “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?'” This story illustrates the importance of keeping our eyes on God and not on the daunting circumstances around us.
- Seek God’s Grace: Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, “so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Seeking God’s grace empowers us to endure and remain faithful even when the wait seems long.
Applying These Principles to Your Life
The journey of living by faith and not by sight is not always easy. It requires patience, perseverance, and unwavering trust in God. Here are some practical steps to apply these principles to your life:
- Establish a Daily Routine of Praise and Worship: Just as I incorporated singing “Jesus Iye” into my daily commute, find a song or a form of worship that resonates with you and make it a part of your daily routine. This keeps your spirit uplifted and your focus on God.
- Stay Anchored in Scripture: Regularly read and meditate on Bible verses that reinforce God’s promises. This strengthens your faith and provides encouragement during challenging times.
- Join a Faith Community: Being part of a church or a small group provides support and accountability. Sharing your journey with others who are also walking by faith can be incredibly encouraging.
- Practice Gratitude: Continuously thank God for what He has done and what He is going to do. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to the blessings you have, fostering a positive and hopeful mindset.
- Pray for Strength and Guidance: Regularly seek God’s guidance and strength through prayer. Ask Him to help you remain faithful and to give you the grace to endure the wait.
Key Takeaways
Living by faith and not by sight means trusting God even when the path ahead is unclear. My experience of starting the year with an impossible goal, receiving a divine instruction, and seeing the miracle come to pass after faithfully praising God is a testament to the power of faith.
When you receive a word from God, hold on to it and wait patiently. Be in right standing with God, continually declare His promises, keep your focus on Him, and seek His grace. By doing these, you align yourself with God’s will and position yourself for His blessings.
Remember, the journey of faith is not about the absence of challenges but about trusting God to guide you through them. So, live by faith and not by sight, and watch as God works miracles in your life.
