Walking by Faith: Living Boldly in the Unknown

The phrase “walk by faith” is one of the most powerful and challenging concepts in the Bible. Found in 2 Corinthians 5:7, where Paul writes, “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” it points to a lifestyle that trusts in God and His promises rather than relying solely on what we can see, feel, or control. Walking by faith means living with confidence in God’s character and His Word, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult. But what does this look like in daily life? Let’s explore what it means to walk by faith and how it transforms the way we live.

Walking by Faith Is Trusting God Over What You See

At its core, walking by faith means relying on God rather than your own understanding or the visible circumstances around you. This is a call to trust that God is working even when the outcome is unclear.

Example: In the Old Testament, Abraham is a prime example of someone who walked by faith. God called him to leave his homeland and go to an unknown land, promising to make him the father of many nations (Genesis 12:1-4). Even though Abraham couldn’t see the full plan, he trusted God’s promise and obeyed.

Application: Walking by faith requires us to surrender our desire for certainty and control, trusting that God sees the bigger picture. When circumstances seem overwhelming or don’t make sense, walking by faith means saying, “God, I trust You, even if I don’t understand.”

Walking by Faith Requires Action

Faith is not passive; it’s active. To walk by faith means taking steps of obedience, even when you don’t know how things will turn out. Faith without action is incomplete.

Example: James 2:26: “Faith without works is dead.” Walking by faith isn’t just believing in God—it’s living in alignment with that belief. Noah didn’t just believe God when He warned him of the flood; he built the ark in obedience (Genesis 6:22). His faith prompted him to act.

Application: When God calls you to something, walking by faith means stepping forward, even if the path ahead seems uncertain. Whether it’s starting a new venture, forgiving someone who hurt you, or sharing your faith, walking by faith means trusting God enough to act.

Walking by Faith Means Relying on God’s Promises

Faith is rooted in the belief that God is faithful and His promises are true. To walk by faith is to cling to those promises, even when your circumstances seem to contradict them.

Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Walking by faith means trusting that God’s Word is reliable and His promises are certain, even when they’re not immediately visible.

Example: The Israelites faced countless challenges as they wandered in the wilderness, but God continually reminded them of His promise to lead them to the Promised Land. Even when their journey was hard, God’s promise remained true.

Application: When life feels uncertain, find strength in God’s promises. Whether it’s His promise to provide (Philippians 4:19), to never leave you (Deuteronomy 31:8), or to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28), walking by faith means holding on to what He has said, regardless of what you feel.

Walking by Faith Means Living with an Eternal Perspective

To walk by faith is to focus on eternal realities rather than temporary circumstances. It’s trusting that God’s plan is bigger than what we can see and that our ultimate hope is in Him.

2 Corinthians 4:18: “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.” Walking by faith shifts our focus from earthly struggles to heavenly promises.

Example: from Jesus: When Jesus endured the cross, He did so with an eternal perspective. Hebrews 12:2 says, “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame.” He trusted the Father’s plan and focused on the eternal joy that would come through His sacrifice.

Application: Walking by faith means living with the bigger picture in mind. It’s trusting that God is accomplishing His purposes, even when life feels challenging or painful.

Walking by Faith Requires Dependence on the Holy Spirit

Walking by faith is not something we can accomplish in our own strength; it requires the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:16: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” The Spirit helps us trust God, resist doubt, and remain obedient to His Word.

Example: The early disciples faced persecution and challenges, but they walked by faith because they were empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). They trusted God to guide them and give them strength, even in the face of hardship.

Application: Walking by faith means leaning on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, strength, and direction. Pray daily for God’s Spirit to guide your decisions and help you stay faithful to His calling.

Walking by Faith Brings Peace and Joy

When you walk by faith, you’re no longer controlled by fear, worry, or doubt. Instead, you experience peace, knowing that God is in control and working for your good.

Philippians 4:6-7: “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.”

Example: Paul demonstrated this peace when he wrote many of his letters from prison. Even in difficult circumstances, he walked by faith and trusted in God’s plan, allowing him to experience peace and joy.

Application: When you walk by faith, you can let go of anxiety and rest in God’s promises. Trust Him to handle what you cannot, and experience the peace that comes from surrendering to His will.

Walking by Faith Is a Daily Choice

Walking by faith is not a one-time decision; it’s a daily commitment to trust God, obey His Word, and rely on His Spirit. It means stepping out in confidence, even when the path is unclear, and living with assurance that God is faithful and His promises are true.

As we walk by faith, we grow closer to God, experience His peace, and become a light to others who are searching for hope. In every step of life, remember this truth: “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” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Let us choose to walk by faith today, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

Have questions or concerns about this topic? Send me a message—I’d be happy to continue the conversation with you.