
Walking by faith is a Christian concept that means trusting in God and his promises, even when you cannot see the evidence or do not understand what is happening. It is about having faith in the unseen and believing that God will keep his promises. Walking by faith means living according to God's promises and not what your eyes show or tell you. It is about taking that first step, even when you cannot see the whole staircase.
Surrender to God
Surrendering to God is a crucial aspect of walking by faith. It involves letting go of self-reliance and submitting to God's will, allowing His transformative power to shape our lives. This can be challenging in a culture that values independence and self-sufficiency. However, true surrender means recognising that we cannot do it alone and that God's plans for us are greater than our own.
When we surrender to God, we admit our sins, repent, and place our trust in Him. We acknowledge that He knows what is best for us and commit to following His path, even when it seems difficult or uncertain. This surrender is an ongoing process and requires us to continually evaluate our lives and ensure we are walking by faith and not by sight.
By surrendering to God, we open ourselves up to His power and allow Him to work in and through us. It is a recognition that He is sovereign, and we are not. It is only through this surrender that we can fully experience the peace, hope, and strength that come from walking by faith.
Walking by faith requires us to take that first step, even when we cannot see the whole staircase, as Martin Luther King Jr. famously said. It is about moving forward, even when the path ahead is uncertain. We must keep moving, trusting that God will guide us and provide what we need along the way.
Surrendering to God also means fixing our eyes on the eternal rather than the temporary. This world is not our permanent home, and by surrendering to God, we gain an eternal perspective that helps us navigate the trials and challenges of this life. We recognise that the things of this world are fleeting, and we fix our eyes on the unseen, eternal realities of Heaven and our relationship with Jesus.
Ultimately, surrendering to God is an act of humility. It is acknowledging that we cannot do it alone and that we need His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. It is choosing to follow Him and allowing Him to transform us and work through us.
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Focus on the eternal
It is easy to get fixated on aspects of your earthly life—finances, possessions, and so on. However, these things will disappear along with the mortal body and have no lasting spiritual value.
A big house or a fancy car might be valued by the world, but they won't matter in God's kingdom. Earthly success is not inherently evil, but the problem arises when we start prioritising these symbols of success over matters of the spirit.
Instead, focus on the unseen realities of Jesus and Heaven. Centre your life around these eternal truths instead of the visible, temporary realities of your earthly existence.
As 2 Corinthians 4:18 states:
> "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
In Matthew 6:19-20, we are instructed to store up treasures in Heaven by doing the will of God, rather than fussing over the treasures of earth.
So, how can we shift our focus to the eternal?
Firstly, recognise that earthly success and comfort are not inherently bad. You can live a comfortable life and still walk by faith. The key is not to prioritise these things above your relationship with God.
Secondly, actively choose to focus on the unseen. This might involve spending time in nature, meditating on Scripture, or engaging in activities that connect you with something bigger than yourself.
Thirdly, surround yourself with people who share your values and can help you stay accountable. Find a faith community, such as a church or a Bible study group, where you can be encouraged and supported in your walk of faith.
Finally, regularly evaluate your priorities and make any necessary adjustments. This might involve setting boundaries around work, creating a budget that reflects your values, or saying "no" to commitments that distract you from your relationship with God.
Remember, walking by faith is a journey, and it's okay if you don't get it right all the time. Keep seeking God, focusing on the eternal, and He will guide you along the path He has set out for you.
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Obey the Bible
Walking by faith means obeying the Bible, even when it conflicts with the commands of humans. This means prioritising God's word over your own understanding and experiences.
The Bible says:
> "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Jesus also said:
> "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29).
Walking by faith means believing in the promises of God, even when you cannot see them. It is about trusting in God's character and His promises, even if you have not seen Him physically. It is about obeying Him every day, even if you are unsure of the outcome.
The Bible says:
> "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
Walking by faith means focusing on the eternal, rather than the temporal. It is about keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). It is about choosing to live according to what God reveals to you, rather than trusting your own understanding.
The Bible says:
> "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Walking by faith means being confident in God's power and His promises, even when you cannot see Him working. It is about trusting that He is moving mountains for you, even in the face of uncertainty.
Walking by faith is about loving God, even with all your unanswered questions. It is about choosing to obey Him and follow His commands, even when they conflict with the world's standards.
The Bible says:
> "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)
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Expect trials
Walking by faith does not mean that you will not face trials and tribulations. In fact, the Bible tells us that we should expect to face difficulties and challenges on our journey. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, we are told that trials reveal if our faith is real:
> "The proof of your faith." James 1:2 tells us to count our tests as joy – not that we enjoy all of the tests! The positive tests we will. But whether the test is a positive or a negative experience, we are to rejoice because tests reveal if our faith is genuine and will push us toward holy living.
In Matthew 6:13, Jesus tells us that God intentionally puts us into situations where our faith is tested:
> "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
This verse is often referred to as the Lord's Prayer, and it serves as a reminder that God will test our faith to help us discover our true beliefs and strengthen our connection to Him.
The trials we face may be a result of our own actions or may be beyond our control. We may stumble and give in to temptation, dealing with the consequences of our actions. Or we may face natural disasters or unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control.
Regardless of the source of the trial, God can and will use these experiences for our growth and betterment if we remain open to His guidance.
Overcoming trials through faith
When facing trials, it is essential to remember that God will not abandon us. He is always with us, even when we don't feel His presence or understand His plan. We must trust that He can use even the most challenging circumstances for our ultimate good.
During trials, we can find strength and guidance in God's promises. For example, Jeremiah 29:11 declares:
> "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
This promise reminds us that God has a good plan for our lives and that He will use our trials to shape us and give us hope and a brighter future.
To walk by faith during trials, we must surrender our fears and worries to God, trusting that He is in control and has a purpose for everything we face. We must also be patient and endure with courage, knowing that God will strengthen our faith through these challenging times.
Examples of little faith in the Bible
The Bible provides several examples of the disciples displaying little faith during trials. One example is when they woke Jesus during a storm, afraid for their lives:
> "He was sleeping. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” (Matthew 8:25-26)
Another example is when Peter began to sink as he walked on water towards Jesus:
> "But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:30-31)
These examples teach us that worry, fear, and doubt are symptoms of little faith. When we face trials, we must trust in God and His plan, even when we don't understand the reason for our struggles.
Growing in faith through trials
Trials are opportunities for our faith to grow stronger. Romans 12:3 says that God has given each believer a "measure of faith," and as we successfully trust God through each test, our faith becomes more robust and mature.
We can also learn from the example of Abraham, who is known for his strong faith. Romans 4:19-21 describes his unwavering trust in God:
> "Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God."
Abraham's faith grew stronger as he trusted God, even in seemingly impossible situations. We, too, can grow in our faith by choosing to trust God and His promises during trials.
Benefits of trials for our faith
Trials play a crucial role in strengthening our faith and drawing us closer to God. They provide an opportunity to demonstrate our trust in Him and our commitment to following His path, even when it seems challenging or unclear.
Through trials, we learn to rely on God's strength rather than our own. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 assures us:
> "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
Trials also help us to keep our focus on God and His eternal promises rather than temporary, earthly concerns. 2 Corinthians 4:18 reminds us:
> "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
In conclusion, walking by faith does not shield us from trials, but it gives us the strength and perspective to face them head-on. By trusting in God and His promises during difficult times, we can grow in our faith, draw closer to Him, and find peace and hope in the midst of life's challenges.
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Seek God's wisdom
Seeking God's wisdom is a crucial aspect of walking by faith. It involves relying on His divine guidance and trusting that He knows what is best for us. Here are some ways to seek God's wisdom:
Ask God for Wisdom
James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault." When faced with decisions or uncertainty, we should turn to God in prayer and ask for His wisdom. He promises to give it to us without judging or criticising. This is an important step in walking by faith, as it demonstrates our dependence on God and our trust in His guidance.
Study the Bible
The Bible is God's Word, and it contains the wisdom and knowledge we need to navigate life. Romans 10:17 says, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." By reading and studying the Bible, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's promises, commands, and principles for living. For example, Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Meditating on such verses can provide clarity and guidance when we are unsure of the path to take.
Pray Often
Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God and allows us to seek His guidance. When we pray, we come before Him with humility, trusting that He will provide the wisdom and understanding we need. Regular prayer helps us focus our minds on God and His plans for our lives, giving us peace and comfort, even in uncertain times.
Seek God's Will
Walking by faith involves seeking God's will for our lives rather than pursuing our desires. Matthew 6:33 instructs us to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." When we seek God's will, we can be confident that He is directing our paths. We trust that He has a perfect plan and purpose for each of us, even when it may seem confusing or challenging.
Ask for Direction from God
Psalm 25:4-5 says, "Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior." God desires to guide us and provide direction when we seek it through prayer and Scripture. He will lead us and illuminate our path when we trust in Him and His plans. Walking by faith involves taking each step with the knowledge that God is with us and that He will provide for our needs.
Walking by faith is a journey that requires us to continually seek God's wisdom and guidance. By asking for wisdom, studying the Bible, praying often, seeking God's will, and asking for direction, we can walk by faith and experience the peace, hope, and strength that comes from trusting in God.
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Frequently asked questions
Walking by faith means trusting God in every circumstance, even when we don't understand what is happening. It is living with a complete and absolute trust in the Lord, no matter what life throws your way.
One way to know if you're walking by faith is to give yourself a spiritual checkup. Ask yourself questions like: What is my attitude towards my problems? Do I spend more energy worrying or praying? How easy is it for me to ask for help? Which influences my life more: the Bible or my emotions?
Walking by faith allows us to tap into the infinite insight that only God can provide. It gives us a new perspective and allows us to live out our God-given calling through Christ's strength and power.
The Bible tells us that we must walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). It also provides examples of people who walked by faith, such as Abraham and the disciples.
To start walking by faith, you must first believe in Jesus Christ for salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life. Then, you can begin to trust in God's promises, seek His wisdom, and ask for direction from Him.