We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight

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Wow!!! I find it absolutely amazing how God will use most anything to speak to us if we will just listen. I was scrolling through photos from a previous beach trip when I stumbled across these two. Immediately my thoughts went to 2 Corinthians 5 where it says we walk by faith, not by sight. What is not obvious just by looking at these two photos is that they were taken from the same seat at the table and facing the same location, the only difference is one was taken on a clear sunny day and the other was taken on a foggy dense day.

When I look at these pictures, I see an illustrated sermon.

The photo on the left is absolutely gorgeous. It is such a beautiful and clear day. Although there are clouds in the sky, their white fluffy appearance against the radiant blue sky add an extra touch of beauty. The ocean displays the different shades of blue and white so clearly with the ripples from the waves tipped in white as they wash upon shore. It’s easy to imagine walking on the beach with bare feet and the sand squishing between your toes while the gentle waves wash over your feet. I mean look at the reflection in the glass table top…the outside beauty has invaded the inside. Everything seems perfect. So peaceful! Can you imagine this picture representing life? Let’s take a look.

Life is great!!! Everything seems to be going in your favor. You’re not experiencing any struggles, or conflicts, or any real stress. Your family is all healthy and happy. Your finances are the best they have been and you even have a little nest egg for a great summer vacation with the kids and grands. You’re filled with joy and peace. Happiness is all around. Your quiet times with the Lord are beyond your expectations and are so fulfilling. Every word you read leaps off the page and into your heart. You are gaining so much wisdom and understanding each day and it’s as if you can feel the transformation taking place inside you. Your prayers are being answered one after another…big prayers and little prayers alike. You are fully surrendered to the Lord and His will for your life. Your confidence in His faithfulness is off the charts. There is not a single ounce of doubt in you. You know He is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do.

The photo on the right looks much different. We know the beauty in the left photo is also in this photo, we just cannot see it. This picture looks gloomy and dark. It feels a little sad and depressing. If we didn’t know what was outside hidden behind all of the fog, there would be no joy or peace to be found in this picture. There is nothing in this photo that would attract our attention and make us want to be there. If this was our view every time we looked out the window, we could possibly begin to feel defeated and downcast. Where is the beauty? Where is the hope? Where is the joy? But, because we know what is on the other side of the fog, we have hope! We know things will not always be like this so we can remain hopeful and joyful as we wait on this fog to lift, knowing that we walk by faith, not by sight. Are you imagining life through this picture? Let’s look at it.

Life isn’t great…it doesn’t even seem good. There is one battle after another. You cannot see a break in sight. There is relationship drama, financial trouble, issues at work, or whatever life might be throwing your way. There is a feeling of desperation setting in and you’re losing hope fast. Your quiet time has become a chore instead of a part of your day that you look forward to. When you try to read the Bible it is as though it is written in another language and prayer is its on struggle. Maybe you can get some words out, but you feel them fall flat as soon as they pass your lips. You’re not even sure God is listening to you. Doubt and questions are beginning to creep in and you are losing sight of what you know to be truth. You wonder if all that you have believed is even true. You have question after question running through your mind…sometimes it seems like they are overlapping one another to be sure you don’t get a moment of silence or peace. You need hope…something to reassure you that this shall pass and this is not how your life will always be and you need it soon. You feel as though you want to throw in the towel and quit…this season is too much. Don’t do it! You know the truth…you know what is on the other side of that window…this is now your time to walk by faith, not by sight and stand in what you know is truth.

Both days (or seasons) are equally valuable. They each teach us different aspects about God and ourselves. It is important on the beautiful days to soak up everything God has for us. Dig in His word and grab hold of those hidden treasures and hide them deep within our heart allowing them to transform us from the inside out. It is crucial that we spend time talking with Him, getting to know Him intimately, and learning to recognize the different ways He can reveal Himself to us and speak to us (like the photos). It is essential that we recognize His goodness and faithfulness in every detail of life! It is in these days that we gather up testimonies that will one day be a mighty weapon in our (spiritual) arsenal collection. These sunshiny days will rejuvenate, strengthen, encourage, transform, renew, and equip us to take on the stormy/foggy days that will come. And we know they will come. In the good days we will discover the intimate details of our Lord and Savior so that when the foggy days come we are prepared. We know the truth and we are dressed and equipped, ready to overcome. We are fortified to stand in faith and fight the good fight. In these difficult days our roots are growing deeper and our faith is being cultivated while we stand in all that we know to be truth. We are learning to walk in the fullness of who we are in Jesus and to trust Him more and more.

I want to encourage you today in whichever “life photo” you find yourself. If you are in the radiant day filled with beautiful bright sunshine, soak it up…every little bit…and allow it to infuse you with the unshakeable confidence of who your God is. Watch your faith be built up as you draw closer and closer to the One your heart desires. If you are in the dreary foggy day filled with fear, doubt, uncertainty, and unanswered questions it is time to stand on who and what you know to be Truth. Take time to meditate on who God is and how He has proven Himself to you time and time again. Think on His faithfulness, His goodness, and His love and allow His peace (that truly passes all understanding) to be your covering. This is not the time to get weary and give up…this is the time to show who you are and who God is in you. Let others see what it looks like to trust God in every season and walk by faith, not by sight.