By Faith, Not by Sight

Most of us grow up learning to make rational and practical life decisions. We ought to look ahead at what is likely to happen, weigh the pros and cons of the options, and choose the path of least resistance. Then, our lives will be secure. Any decision that is deemed “risky” or “doesn’t make sense” in the eyes of others is often frowned upon.

Such advice is generally helpful in a world filled with complex decisions. Yet, believers are called to “live by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). How could that work? Hebrews 11 depicts two examples of godly men who exercised faith and went beyond their visible circumstances because they had a revelation from God.

Noah was one of the first few people recorded in the Bible who acted upon a message he received from God. Genesis 6 describes how he took God at His word to build an ark, even though there was no visible sign of an impending flood. He chose to listen to God’s word, withstanding the ridicule from those around him. He was included in this “hall of fame” as a hero of faith for his unwavering obedience to God.

Abraham responded in obedience to God’s call to venture into the unknown. Though God promised him an inheritance in Genesis 12, God did not reveal where he would be going. But God’s bidding was sufficient for Abraham. His faith to take God at His word would be rewarded as the promises of God would be fulfilled.

There will often be a tension between what we see and what the Word of God reveals to us. What are your tensions? Do we see and automatically take the visible, logical, safe choices? Or will we dare to listen to the Word of God as God speaks to us?

Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.

Oswald Chambers

As we live by faith and not by sight, know the One who leads us and be assured of His faithfulness and goodness.