Have FaithSample

Day 4: Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

The musculoskeletal system of the human body consists of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage. All of these components, in conjunction with a properly functioning nervous system, work in harmony, providing us with the ability to walk. These systems furnish structure, support, and movement to the body, the vital elements that allow us to move freely, without any assistance. Although our bodies were created to walk, it is still an activity that requires a certain amount of growth and strength, and it also must be practiced. Think about a baby. While newborns have the potential, they are definitely not ready to walk on the day they are born. But give them a year or so, and my oh my, though they may not have mastered it YET, we usually have to find a way to keep them contained!

2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that we must be prepared to walk by faith, not by sight. In other words, as we travel through this spiritual journey in these mortal bodies, it will require movement in faith because our natural sight will not work properly to perceive and believe heavenly things. In the same manner that walking in the natural necessitates growth, strength, and practice, so does faith. No one begins a relationship with Christ having their faith already at one hundred, unless they have the gift of faith, and that’s something a little different. For most of us, we have to practice, grow, and mature in our faith. Notice here, practicing indicates that we may mess it up sometimes. We won’t always get it perfect, but the time will come when God will expect us to do better. It would be pretty unexpected to see a thirty-year-old walking like a two-year old toddler, or a forty-year-old sucking on a bottle. Hebrews 5:13 warns us that everyone who uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. All the same, babies grow up! Babes in Christ must grow up!! We all have to get off the milk and begin to eat meat. This is why it is imperative that we consistently work to increase our faith.

Moreover, we should also remember that faith requires action! Despite the fact that we are waiting for a breakthrough, we still have to step out and actually do something. Waiting on God’s timing and blessings is not a valid excuse for inaction; The Lord is expecting us to move. Even if the action is in serving others and worshipping the Lord, this requires effort and pursuit—WHICH IS ACTION! If you’re believing God for a job, work on your skills. If you’re waiting for your healing, anoint your body and declare God’s promises daily. If you’re waiting for direction, pray and seek Him diligently. FAITH IN ACTION MOVES GOD! Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone (James 2:17).

We could THINK about walking to a specific place all day long, but until we take the steps to move toward our destination, absolutely nothing will happen. Babies make small steps and fall down, but because they are surrounded by people who are taking big steps and not falling, they keep moving until they have mastered it. Try to surround yourself with people who are taking big leaps of faith! No, you will not move exactly like them, nor will you experience immediate results. It may take some falling, getting back up, and trying again, but one day, you will look around and notice that YOU HAVE DEVELOPED BIG FAITH!!!

Reflection:

• What movements/actions/works will you perform in conjunction with your faith?

• Can you identify areas where you have grown spiritually?

• Can you identify areas where you still need growth?

• What will you do to ensure increased faith and spiritual growth?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to grow to spiritual maturity. Remind me to move into action even while I am waiting. Let me become consistent in the things that cause my faith to flourish. Amen.

Action Step:

Identify one area where you can take action—whether it’s learning a skill, helping others, or strengthening your prayer life. Commit to carrying out this action.