In our Christian journey, we often find ourselves in situations where we need to fully trust God, even without seeing the whole picture. Walking by faith is a central concept in Christianity, and this is precisely what 2 Corinthians 5:7 verse invites us to reflect on. Faith is something that goes beyond what the physical eyes can see, it is beyond the tangible.
The verse 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us that as Christians, our life should be guided by faith in God and not just by what we see. Living by faith means trusting in God even when the path ahead is not clear. It is an expression of our complete trust in God and His word.
Biblical Examples
- Abraham's faith when called by God to an unknown land (Genesis 12:1-4). When God called Abraham to leave his homeland and family, he had no idea where he was going. There was no map, no detailed description of the place. His only certainty was God's promise that he would become the father of a great nation. Abraham took a step of faith, choosing to trust in God rather than his own limited vision and understanding. His faith led him to a foreign land, where he became the father of many nations, just as God had promised.
- Peter's faith in walking on water (Matthew 14:28-31). When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, Peter, spurred by faith, asked to join him. Jesus invited him and Peter, trusting in Jesus' word, stepped out of the boat and began to walk on water. However, when he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the wind and waves, he began to sink. At that moment, he learned a valuable lesson: our faith should be founded on Jesus, not on the circumstances around us.
- The faith of Bartimaeus, the blind man who called out to Jesus (Mark 10:46-52). Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who, upon hearing that Jesus was passing by, started to cry out for mercy. Even though he couldn't see Jesus, he believed in His power to heal. His faith was so great that even when people tried to silence him, he cried out even louder. When Jesus called him, Bartimaeus, full of faith, cast off his cloak, a symbol of his old life, and went to Jesus, who healed him.
The examples provided clearly illustrate how faith can lead us beyond what our physical eyes can see. Abraham, Peter, and Bartimaeus made choices grounded in trust in God, not in their own limited perception.
Their faith teaches us that often God calls us beyond what we can understand or see. He invites us to trust in Him, even when circumstances are unfavorable or uncertain. Faith does not deny reality, but allows us to see beyond it, to God's power and promises.
Therefore, let us be like Abraham, who trusted in God's promise; like Peter, who kept his eyes fixed on Jesus; and like Bartimaeus, who persisted in his faith, even when everyone around him tried to silence him. Let us live by faith, not by what we see.
Curiosities
Faith is a key element in the Christian journey.
The verse of 2 Corinthians 5:7 emphasizes the importance of faith in the Christian life. Faith is not just believing in God, but completely trusting in Him and His promises, even when circumstances appear unfavorable. Through faith, we are able to see beyond what our physical eyes can perceive. This is evident in the life of Abraham, who believed in God's promise of making him the father of many nations, even though he was old and childless. Therefore, faith is an unwavering trust in God and His promises, even when we cannot see the outcome with our physical eyes.Faith is a journey, not a destination.
Christian faith is not a one-time event, but a continual walk with God. Faith is strengthened and tested throughout life, and Christians are challenged to trust in God in all circumstances, whether good or bad. The apostle Paul, who wrote 2 Corinthians, describes the Christian life as a race, suggesting that faith is a journey that requires perseverance and commitment. Faith is not static, but dynamic and constantly evolving.Faith is not based on visible evidence.
2 Corinthians 5:7 suggests that faith is not based on visible evidence, but on trust in God. Faith transcends physical reality and allows Christians to believe in what is not yet seen. This is illustrated in the story of Noah, who built an ark in preparation for a flood, despite seeing no evidence of rain. Therefore, faith is not a leap in the dark, but a deep and unwavering trust in God, regardless of the circumstances.
Practical Application
Trusting God even in difficult times
Walking by faith means trusting God even when the circumstances around us seem unfavorable. For instance, you might be going through a financial crisis or an illness, and all you see are problems. But faith is believing that God is in control and that He can turn this situation around. Instead of focusing on the problems, focus on God's promises. Remember that He is faithful and that He will take care of you. Pray, read the Bible, and seek God's guidance in all the decisions you make.Making decisions based on faith
Another practical application of walking by faith and not by sight is making decisions based on God's guidance, not just on what we see or understand. For example, God may be calling you to a mission, a new job, or a ministry in the church that seems challenging or outside your comfort zone. Instead of focusing on the difficulties or fears, ask God for courage and direction. He will guide you and equip you for what He has called you to do.Maintaining hope amid uncertainties
Living by faith also means maintaining hope even amid uncertainties. We might not know what the future holds for us, but we know that God has a plan for us. So, even when we face difficulties, we can be confident that God is with us. For example, if you are anxious about a future situation, pray and trust in God. He promised never to leave us, and He is faithful to fulfill His promises.