What Does It Mean to Walk by Faith? (Walking in Faith)

Introduction

The Christian life is a journey, and at the heart of this journey is faith. The Bible tells us in **2 Corinthians 5:7**, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." But what does it truly mean to walk by faith? Does it mean blindly stepping into the unknown? Is it about ignoring reality? The biblical concept of faith is much deeper and richer than that. Walking by faith means trusting God in every circumstance, even when we cannot see the full picture.

1. Walking by Faith Means Trusting God's Promises

Faith is not just wishful thinking; it is confidence in what God has said. **Hebrews 11:1** defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." When we walk by faith, we base our lives on the promises of God rather than on our circumstances.

For example, Abraham is called the "father of faith" because he trusted God's promise that he would become the father of many nations, even though he and Sarah were well past childbearing age (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:18-21). He walked by faith by obeying God’s call to leave his homeland, not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).

2. Walking by Faith Means Obedience to God's Word

Faith is not just about believing in God; it is about acting on His Word. **James 2:17** tells us that "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." Walking by faith means obeying God's commands even when they don’t make sense to our natural understanding.

Noah demonstrated this when he built the ark. God instructed him to build an enormous boat when there had never been rain before. Yet, Noah trusted God and acted in obedience, saving his family and fulfilling God's plan (Hebrews 11:7). True faith always leads to action.

3. Walking by Faith Means Relying on God's Strength, Not Our Own

Life is full of challenges that test our faith. Walking by faith means relying on God's strength rather than our own. **Proverbs 3:5-6** instructs us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

When we face uncertainty, trials, or difficulties, faith calls us to depend on God rather than trying to control everything ourselves. The Apostle Paul understood this when he said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). Walking by faith is about surrendering our weaknesses to God's power.

4. Walking by Faith Means Seeing Beyond the Natural

Faith allows us to see with spiritual eyes rather than just our physical sight. When the Israelites stood before the Red Sea with the Egyptian army pursuing them, their physical sight told them there was no way out. But Moses, walking by faith, believed in God's power to make a way where there was none. God parted the Red Sea, and the Israelites walked through on dry ground (Exodus 14:13-16, Hebrews 11:29).

When we walk by faith, we trust that God is at work even when we don't see immediate results. We believe that He is fighting our battles, even when the odds seem stacked against us (2 Kings 6:16-17).

5. Walking by Faith Means Overcoming Fear and Doubt

One of the biggest obstacles to faith is fear. Fear paralyzes, while faith propels us forward. Jesus often rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith and encouraged them not to be afraid. In **Matthew 14:29-31**, Peter walked on water toward Jesus, but when he looked at the wind and waves, he began to sink. Jesus reached out and said, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Walking by faith requires us to shift our focus from our problems to the One who holds all things together. It means believing that God is in control, even when everything seems uncertain.

6. Walking by Faith Brings Eternal Rewards

Faith is not just about this life—it has eternal implications. Hebrews 11, often called the "Hall of Faith," lists many who walked by faith, yet did not see the full promise in their lifetime. But they believed in God's faithfulness and looked forward to a greater reward.

Jesus promised in **John 14:1-3** that He is preparing a place for us. Walking by faith means living with an eternal perspective, knowing that this world is not our final home (Colossians 3:2).

Conclusion: How to Walk by Faith Daily

-Spend time in God's Word – Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

- Pray for guidance– Seek God's direction in all areas of your life (James 1:5).

- Step out in obedience – Take action even when you don’t have all the answers (Joshua 1:9).

- Surround yourself with believers – Community strengthens our faith (Hebrews 10:24-25).

- Keep your eyes on Jesus – Focus on His promises, not your problems (Hebrews 12:2).

Walking by faith is a lifelong journey, but as we trust and obey God, He will lead us into His perfect plan.