WALKING BY FAITH
I have been reflecting lately on this walk of faith we are called to live as God’s children. The Bible says we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). Perhaps you’re thinking that’s easy for Paul to say. He was the great apostle who authored the bulk of the New Testament. However we learn from Scripture the prophet Habakkuk first mentioned this principle of living by faith in this way… “But the just shall live by his faith” (Hab 2:4) so this is not just a New Testament concept.
The original language here for ‘live’ means: - to have life, remain alive, sustain life or to be restored to life or health. It is interesting to note here too the personal nature of faith – the just shall live by his faith. That is to say we have to exercise OUR faith, not that of our parents, the pastor or anyone else. This is a personal walk with Jesus to which we are called.
The challenge for we humans is to look past the natural - our circumstances, problems, relationship challenges, health concerns, lack or whatever it is that is seeking to rob us of faith. Of course I’m not suggesting we should live in denial. The only denial I believe we should exercise is denying the issue, problem, challenge, etc to exalt itself above the Name of Jesus and His AMAZING ability to work ALL things together for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).
I’m the first to agree it is challenging to look past that which is staring us in the face day after day but therein lies the very heart of walking by faith and not by sight. It is counter cultural, counter intuitive but such is the very nature of faith. The Bible declares it is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for and the EVIDENCE of things NOT seen (Heb 11:1). Further without this at times mysterious ‘commodity’ it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6).
With the challenges facing us in the ministry here at CHR, even as I pen this article, I’m encouraged yet again to look to the author and perfecter of my faith – the One who holds the UNIVERSE in His hands and the One who notices even a tiny sparrow falling to the ground. How much more does He care about the obstacles, conundrums and challenges I face. I believe it is a daily choice to continue to look to Jesus and get my eyes off my ‘stuff’ because He tells me not to worry about today because we are far more valuable than anything in the natural realm. Jesus’ exhortation or more correctly instruction to us is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and the things which we are so often concerned about will fall into place (Matt 6:33).
When I focus on the problems and take my eyes off Jesus, the issues before me take on ‘unholy’ or perhaps even ‘Goliath like’ proportions. In so doing I can all too easily forget if God IS my refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble, therefore I will not fear as the Psalmist said (Psa 46:1-2). It is when I remain focussed on Him and trust Him to lead me through the trial, test or valley and give me the wisdom to know what to do and how to do it, then I WILL overcome. Trust me, I’ve tried it both ways so have some experience in this regard!
The ‘default setting’ for us is to look at the natural circumstances, challenges, obstacles and fret, worry and get anxious about the magnitude of the issue or the immovable nature of this problem. Indeed so often there doesn’t seem to be a way through. However, my Bible says if God is for me then who can be against me (Rom 8:31). He’s the One who parted the Red Sea; He’s the One who calmed the storm; He’s the One who fed 5000 men with 5 loaves 2 fish and there were 12 baskets of leftovers! He’s the One who defeated the enemy armies coming against Israel with the worship team (see 2 Chron 20). He’s the One for whom nothing is impossible! He’s the One who can soften hearts and move mountains – why would we put our trust in anyone or anything else! I love what King Jehoshaphat said when facing certain defeat – “we don’t know what to do but our eyes are upon You!” (2 Chron 20:12)
When you don’t know what to do – keep your eyes on Him because He surely knows the end from the beginning!
So let me encourage you today to lift your gaze heavenward, choose to focus on Him and remind yourself of the promises He’s given you. Choose each day to look only unto Jesus the author and perfecter of your faith. He will complete the good work He began in you until He calls you home or you meet Him in the air when He returns!