Walking by faith and not by sight is a concept that comes from 2 Corinthians 5:7, which says “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” This verse encapsulates an important truth about the Christian life – that it is to be lived by faith in God, not by what we can visibly see or perceive with our natural senses.
To walk by faith means to trust in God even when circumstances seem bleak or unclear. It means relying on God’s character, promises, and faithfulness rather than relying on our own wisdom or capabilities. Walking by faith requires surrendering control to God instead of trying to figure everything out or make things happen in our own strength. It is firmly believing that God will guide and provide, even when we cannot yet see the outcome.
In contrast, to walk by sight means to trust in what we can naturally see, hear, touch and perceive. It means relying on our human capabilities and reasoning rather than trusting in the invisible God. To walk by sight is to judge circumstances based on visible realities rather than spiritual truths. It can lead to anxiety, fear or despair when visible evidence suggests reasons to doubt. But walking by faith empowers believers to rise above troubling circumstances and confidently move forward in obedience to God.
The call to walk by faith stems from the fact that, as finite humans, our knowledge and understanding are limited. We cannot see the future or discern all the details of complex situations as God can. Isaiah 55:8-9 contrasts man’s limited perspective with God’s unlimited understanding. 1 Corinthians 13:12 explains that now we only see dimly as in a mirror, but one day will see fully. Because we lack full visibility, we must trust in God’s greater wisdom and ability to see and control all things rather than relying on our perceptions alone.
Walking by faith means taking God at His word, even when it seems irrational or impossible from a human perspective. For example, Hebrews 11 applauds men and women of faith who persevered despite not receiving all God had promised during their earthly lives. Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland and go to a land he didn’t know, “not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). Moses’ parents hid him by faith when he was born even though the powerful Pharaoh had ordered all newborn boys to be killed (Hebrews 11:23). Other heroes and heroines of the faith “did not receive what was promised, but having seen it and greeted it from a distance” (Hebrews 11:13-16, 39). They trusted God’s word more than their own human understanding.
Jesus repeatedly emphasized the importance of childlike faith. Just as children trust their parents and follow them even without understanding everything, we are to have complete, trusting dependence on God (Matthew 18:3-4). Walking by faith means laying aside the need for full understanding and rationale, and simply obeying God’s commands and trusting His promises because of faith in His goodness, wisdom and power.
Scripture gives many examples of individuals who walked by faith rather than sight:
- Abraham obeyed God’s instruction to sacrifice Isaac, believing God could raise him from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19).
- Noah prepared for a coming flood he could not see (Hebrews 11:7).
- Joseph spoke of the future exodus of the Israelites from Egypt even though it seemed unlikely he would ever be released from prison (Hebrews 11:22).
- Moses’ parents hid him in faith, disregarding the decree to drown Hebrew baby boys (Hebrews 11:23).
- The Israelites marched around Jericho for seven days as God commanded, trusting this would actually cause the walls to fall down (Joshua 6).
- Esther risked her life to go before the king unsummoned because she believed God wanted her to save her people (Esther 4-5).
- After Jesus’ death, Joseph of Arimathea boldly asked to bury Jesus’ body, trusting that Jesus would be resurrected (Mark 15:43-46).
In the Old Testament, sight represented trusting in earthly power and human resources. But in the New Testament, life in the Kingdom of God is depicted as walking by faith rather than sight:
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 – “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”
- 1 Peter 1:8-9 – “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
While walking by faith, believers still use wisdom and discernment. Walking by faith does not mean throwing wisdom aside, but rather allowing faith to transcend human wisdom. Jesus told His followers to be wise as serpents but as harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). Paul explained that he walked by faith even when planning future missionary endeavors, saying “I will come to you very soon, if the Lord wills” (1 Corinthians 4:19) and “I will return again to you, God willing” (Acts 18:21). He made plans, but submitted them all to God’s leading and recognized the need for God’s permission. So walking by faith incorporates wisdom but does not rely on it exclusively.
What enables Christians to walk by faith rather than sight?
If walking by faith often seems counterintuitive from a human perspective, what gives Christians the ability to live this way? Scripture points to several key resources that enable believers to walk by faith:
The Word of God
In order to exercise faith, one must first know what to have faith in. The Word of God reveals His will, plans, purposes, commands, promises and truths that provide an anchor for faith. Romans 10:17 explains that faith comes from hearing God’s Word. The more Christians read and internalize the Bible, the more their faith will arise and strengthen. Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit inspires us towards faith in God’s truth. As Psalm 119:105 says, God’s Word is a lamp for our feet and a light on our path illuminating the way we should go.
The Holy Spirit
All believers have access to the guidance and discernment of the Holy Spirit who indwells them. The Holy Spirit guides us both consciously and subconsciously, prompting us toward wisdom and illuminating the path we should take. The Spirit produces fruit in believers such as love, joy and peace – tools that aid us in walking by faith (Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit also distributes gifts that assist believers in ministry and spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). As believers walk closely with the Spirit through practices like prayer, study and worship, He increasingly guides their thoughts and steps.
Encouragement from Christian Community
Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of meeting together with other believers for encouragement and perseverance in faith. The body of Christ plays a crucial role in strengthening each member through teaching, prayer, example, exhortation and fellowship. Every believer can at times experience doubt or wavering faith. But God often uses other Christians to speak truth to us or provide an example that inspires renewed faith and commitment. Christian community provides vital support and accountability for walking by faith.
Storing up God’s Word
In Psalm 119:11, the psalmist asks God to store up His Word in his heart so he will not sin. When believers memorize and internalize Scripture, the Holy Spirit can bring it to mind to strengthen and guide them in times of need or uncertainty. Storing up God’s promises in our hearts gives the Holy Spirit truth to reinforce our faith walk. Even when circumstances seem to contradict God’s Word, stored up knowledge of His promises provides a firm foundation to stand on by faith.
Prayer
Consistent prayer is necessary both for receiving fresh guidance from God and for aligning our hearts to trust and obey Him. As we bring both requests and thanksgiving before God in prayer, it realigns our focus and priorities according to His will and direction. Through prayer, we gain divine peace and confidence to walk forward in faith rather than allowing sight-oriented fears to dominate (Philippians 4:6-7).
Obedience
Obedience is both an expression of faith and a pathway into greater faith. When we obey God in areas He commands, even while lacking full understanding, it strengthens our ability to trust Him more completely. Our faith muscles are exercised and enlarged each time we step out in obedience to God when we cannot yet see the outcome. Just as training and discipline instill muscle memory in athletes, obeying God in faith creates spiritual memory that forges stronger faith.
Jesus repeatedly told followers that obedience demonstrates the genuineness of our love and faith. In John 14:15, He said “If you love me, keep my commands.” After Peter confessed His divinity, Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep as an expression of love and devotion (John 21:15-17). 1 John 5:3 says, “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” As we obey God even during times we don’t feel like it or don’t understand why, our faith grows stronger.
How does walking by faith produce blessing?
God rewards those who diligently seek Him and prioritize relationship with Him (Hebrews 11:6). Though the blessings are not always immediate or visible on earth, Scripture gives many reasons why walking by faith pleases God and leads to blessing:
- Walking by faith demonstrates our trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty over our lives and circumstances.
- It shows that God is our highest priority rather than visible outcomes or comfort.
- It results in God’s pleasing and perfect will being accomplished in and through us.
- It gives God maximum glory when His followers trust in His unseen power.
- It opens the door for God’s miraculous provision, guidance and intervention.
- It allows us to experience God’s peace and joy in all circumstances.
- It results in eternal reward.
Both Old and New Testament Scriptures connect faith with righteousness and blesssing:
- Genesis 15:6 – Abram’s faith was credited to him as righteousness.
- Hebrews 11:6 – Without faith it is impossible to please God.
- Matthew 9:29 – According to your faith let it be done to you.
- Matthew 21:21-22 – If you have faith and do not doubt, you can do mighty miracles. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
- Mark 11:22-24 – Have faith in God. If you believe and do not doubt, you can ask anything and it will be done. If you ask in prayer, believing, it will be given.
- Luke 8:48 – Your faith has healed you.
- Acts 14:9 – Paul perceived the man had faith to be healed.
- Romans 1:17 – The righteous will live by faith.
- 2 Corinthians 1:24 – It is by faith you stand firm.
- 1 Peter 1:5 – Through faith we are shielded by God’s power.
God wants to use every circumstance – even those which appear negative from a human vantage point – to strengthen our faith in Him. When we respond by faith, situation that seem hopeless or overwhelming become opportunities for increased spiritual power and insight. God wants us to have faith so powerful that it allows us to thank Him and rejoice in all circumstances, knowing He will use everything for our ultimate good and His glory (Romans 8:28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
The Christian life is intended to be an adventure of walking by faith into new terrain with God. Rather than demanding visible evidence, comfort or a fully mapped-out plan, God calls us to step forward in confidence of His complete faithfulness. His perfect plan unfolds one step at a time as we walk closely with Him. When the righteous live by faith, we begin experiencing heaven on earth even before eternal life with Christ.