How to live by faith and not by sight

It is easier to lose sight of our faith instead of holding firm to it, especially amidst suffering. Our words may say that we trust God, but how we worry about everything shows that we do not entirely surrender our circumstances to Him.

It is difficult to rejoice and praise God when overwhelmed by visible challenges. It is challenging to love and forgive like Jesus when focused on our hurt. 

This year, 2023, is about to end. How are we living? Are we living by our faith or by what is seen? 

Enduring trials and suffering is challenging, but we can feel God’s presence in every situation if we learn to live by our faith. 

Not everyone is familiar with the process; transformation doesn't happen overnight. It is a choice we have to make daily. We believe that God and the power of Jesus’ name are more significant than our struggles. 

In this blog, we will discover some ways we could live by faith and not by our sight first by understanding what it means to live by faith.

What does it mean to live by Faith, not by Sight?

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” - 2 Corinthians 5:2

Living by faith and not by our sight is a mindset. It involves adopting an eternal perspective of what awaits us beyond this life. Now that we have become a new creation, there should be a difference in how we live and see people around us despite experiencing the same struggle.

We should not have the “worldly point of view” where others are controlled by their circumstances and what others think.

Living by faith and not by sight is about holding on to the hope that comes from God. It does not mean we would not get hurt, but it is about enduring our sufferings, knowing that God’s plan is way more significant than what we are into now.

So, how can we live by faith and not by sight? How can we see things that are not seen? 

How do you live by faith, not by sight?

Dena Johnson Martin, the author of What Does it Mean to Walk by Faith, emphasized that when we choose to walk by faith, we must stop walking by any other means. We must leave our comfort zone and let God transform our world.

Here are some ways to practice our faith without seeing what is seen. These ways may seem cliche and overused, but they could help us persevere and endure hardship as we look forward to what is eternal. 

Let Go

To let go or surrender in today’s generation may seem like a sign of weakness. But when it comes to walking faith, to let go is what we need to let God be in control of our situations. 

No matter how intelligent, wealthy, and sound we are in what we do, things are still out of our hands. When we firmly hold on to our desires, plans, and dreams, we leave no space for God’s divine power to mold our lives.

When it comes to our situations, there are things that only God can do because we are limited. God is the creator of life, and He knows precisely well that the trials we are into right now are what we need to become the person He wants us to be.  

More so, when we let go and let God, we would see how He works even in the last seconds. He is a waymaker and a miracle worker. It is so tiring to find ways on our own. When we live by faith, we can rejoice amidst trials and feel God’s presence as our home.

Furthermore, when we are hurt by the people we love or people around us, letting go means not holding grudges against others and just allowing God to work for that person. Although this is tough, it is living by faith and not sight. We do not treat people based on how they treat us, but we treat them the way God treats us. 

Redirect your priorities

Our struggles can quickly drive away our priorities. Instead of seeking God first, we try to find ways to overcome our problems alone. Whenever we have difficulties, we feel so consumed by them, not knowing that God is with us and will never forsake us. 

2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “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.”

Most people who experience trials or face the consequences of their wrong decisions tend to prioritize finding ways to surpass their situations and forget what matters most. In the world of faith, we are given the eyes to see life as truly as it is. 

To live by faith does not mean we are excused from worldly problems and trials, but it is about knowing that God is working through those trials for eternal purpose. By faith, we can trust that God will never change. He that controls the winds and waves can also do something in our circumstances. 

God is good and faithful. When we prioritize Him and His commands, we will see how His hands work miraculously and amazingly in what we are into. 

Hold on to God’s promises

God never disappoints His people when it comes to fulfilling His promises. When He says something, it will indeed happen in His time. 

Whenever our faith is shaken, remember God’s promises. Keep them in your heart and bind them as a necklace on your neck. Write it down and post it on your walls so you can constantly be reminded that God is a promise keeper. 

God’s words are powerful enough to transform life, and His promises are so great to keep our trembling hearts at peace. Knowing that despite our pain, struggles, and shortcomings, God is still good at fulfilling what He has said. 

The more we live with His promises as we face our daily battles, the more our faith will be empowered. 

Our strength comes from God’s words, and faith comes from hearing and hearing His words. So read your Bible, listen, and apply the pastor's preaching, and you will witness how God empowers you like an eagle. 

We will never be defeated when we put on the whole armor of God, especially amidst challenges. 

Prayer helps us live by faith and not by sight

We are sheep who need our shepherd’s help, especially during the most painful and difficult situations. Here is a simple prayer to help us see what is unseen and to walk by faith.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your goodness and amazing grace. 

I come before you today knowing that you are a faithful God. Help us to live by faith and not be driven by our challenges. Lord, may your Holy Spirit lead us always and remind us of your promises whenever we are shaken. 

Help us always remember that you are more significant than our pain and struggles. Give us the eyes that see what is unseen and hope for what you have prepared for us behind our mountains.

I love you, Lord.

This I pray in Jesus Name,

Amen.