How to Walk by Faith and Not by Sight: A Guide for Christians

Walking by faith and not by sight is a biblical principle that many Christians struggle to apply in their daily lives. It means trusting God’s promises and guidance, even when we can’t see the evidence or the outcome. It means living according to God’s will, not our own understanding or preferences.

But how can we walk by faith and not by sight in a world that is full of distractions, temptations, and challenges? How can we overcome our doubts, fears, and worries, and follow God with confidence and joy? In this article, we will explore some practical steps and tips to help you walk by faith and not by sight, based on the examples and teachings of the Bible.

Step 1: Understand what it means to walk by faith and not by sight

The phrase “walk by faith and not by sight” comes from 2 Corinthians 5:7, where the apostle Paul writes: “For we live by faith, not by sight.” Paul is contrasting the present life with the future life, and explaining that as Christians, we have a hope that goes beyond what we can see in this world. We have a hope that is based on God’s grace, love, and power, and that is guaranteed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

To walk by faith and not by sight means to live in light of this hope, and to trust God’s promises and plans for our lives. It means to believe that God is who he says he is, and that he will do what he says he will do. It means to rely on God’s word, not on our own feelings, opinions, or circumstances. It means to obey God’s commands, not to follow our own desires or the ways of the world.

Walking by faith and not by sight does not mean ignoring reality or being irrational. It does not mean denying our problems or pretending that everything is fine. It does not mean being passive or fatalistic. Rather, it means acknowledging reality, but also recognizing that there is a higher reality that transcends our natural senses. It means facing our problems, but also trusting that God is in control and working for our good. It means being active and responsible, but also surrendering our plans and outcomes to God.

Step 2: Know the benefits of walking by faith and not by sight

Walking by faith and not by sight may seem difficult or risky at times, but it also has many benefits for our spiritual growth and well-being. Here are some of them:

• Walking by faith and not by sight strengthens our relationship with God. As we trust him more, we get to know him better. As we depend on him more, we experience his presence more. As we follow him more, we become more like him.

• Walking by faith and not by sight increases our joy and peace. As we focus on God’s promises and character, we find hope and comfort in any situation. As we cast our cares on him, we experience his peace that surpasses understanding. As we delight in him, we discover his joy which is our strength.

• Walking by faith and not by sight develops our character and maturity. As we face trials and challenges with faith, we grow in perseverance, patience, and endurance. As we overcome temptations and obstacles with faith, we grow in holiness, purity, and integrity. As we receive blessings and opportunities with faith, we grow in gratitude, generosity, and stewardship.

• Walking by faith and not by sight equips us for ministry and mission. As we listen to God’s voice and guidance, we discover his purpose and calling for our lives. As we obey God’s will and direction, we join his work in advancing his kingdom. As we share God’s love and truth with others, we become his witnesses and ambassadors.

Step 3: Learn from the examples of walking by faith and not by sight in the Bible

The Bible is full of stories of people who walked by faith and not by sight in different situations and contexts. Some of them are well-known heroes of faith, while others are ordinary people who trusted God in extraordinary ways. Here are some examples:

• Abraham walked by faith when he left his homeland to follow God’s call to a land he did not know (Genesis 12:1-4). He also walked by faith when he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac as an act of obedience to God (Genesis 22:1-18).

• Moses walked by faith when he confronted Pharaoh and led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3-14). He also walked by faith when he followed God’s instructions to build the Tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 25-40).

• Joshua walked by faith when he led the Israelites to conquer the promised land (Joshua 1-12). He also walked by faith when he challenged the people to serve the Lord and renew their covenant with him (Joshua 24:14-28).

• David walked by faith when he faced Goliath with a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17). He also walked by faith when he repented of his sin and sought God’s forgiveness and restoration (Psalm 51).

• Daniel walked by faith when he refused to compromise his worship of God in Babylon (Daniel 1-6). He also walked by faith when he received and interpreted visions of God’s future plans (Daniel 7-12).

• Esther walked by faith when she risked her life to save her people from genocide (Esther 4-9). She also walked by faith when she acknowledged God’s sovereignty and providence in her situation (Esther 4:14).

• Mary walked by faith when she accepted God’s call to be the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). She also walked by faith when she followed Jesus to the cross and witnessed his resurrection (John 19:25-27; Acts 1:14).

• Peter walked by faith when he left his fishing boat to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-20). He also walked by faith when he preached the gospel and led the early church (Acts 2-12).

• Paul walked by faith when he converted from a persecutor of Christians to an apostle of Christ (Acts 9). He also walked by faith when he endured hardships and trials for the sake of the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-33).

These are just some of the many examples of walking by faith and not by sight in the Bible. You can read more about them and others in Hebrews 11, which is often called the “Hall of Faith”. You can also learn from their successes and failures, their strengths and weaknesses, and their joys and sorrows, as they followed God with faith.

Step 4: Apply some practical tips to walk by faith and not by sight in your life

Walking by faith and not by sight is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey. It requires constant practice and discipline, as well as grace and humility. Here are some practical tips to help you walk by faith and not by sight in your life:

• Read and study God’s word regularly. The Bible is the primary source of God’s revelation, promises, and instructions for us. It is also the standard by which we measure everything else. By reading and studying God’s word, we can learn more about who he is, what he has done, and what he wants us to do. We can also find guidance, wisdom, and encouragement in our daily lives.

• Pray and listen to God daily. Prayer is the primary way of communicating with God. It is also the way we express our dependence on him, our gratitude for him, and our requests to him. By praying and listening to God daily, we can deepen our relationship with him, align our hearts with his, and discern his voice and direction for us.

• Obey God promptly. Obedience is the primary evidence of our faith. It is also the way we demonstrate our love for him, our submission to him, and our trust in him. By obeying God promptly, we can honour him, please him, and experience his blessings in our lives.

• Seek God’s kingdom first. Priorities are the primary indicators of our values. They are also the way we manage our time, resources, and energy. By seeking God’s kingdom first, we can honour him, serve him, and advance his purposes in the world.

• Share your faith with others. Witnessing is the primary responsibility of our faith. It is also the way we fulfil our mission, express our compassion, and multiply our impact. By sharing your faith with others, you can glorify God, edify others, and grow yourself.

Step 5: Overcome some common challenges to walking by faith and not by sight

Walking by faith and not by sight is not easy or comfortable. It often involves challenges and difficulties that test our faith and stretch our limits. Here are some common challenges to walking by faith and not by sight, and how to overcome them:

• Doubt: Doubt is the opposite of faith. It is a lack of confidence or certainty in God or his promises. Doubt can come from various sources, such as our own reasoning, other people’s opinions, or Satan’s lies. To overcome doubt, we need to remember what God has done for us in the past, reaffirm what he has said to us in his words, and rely on what he has promised us for the future.

• Fear: Fear is the enemy of faith. It is a feeling of anxiety or dread caused by perceived danger or threat. Fear can come from various situations, such as uncertainty, change, or opposition. To overcome fear, we need to remember that God is with us always, that he is greater than anything we face, and that he has not given up on us (2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:31-39).


• Worry: Worry is the result of faith. It is a feeling of concern or anxiety about something that may or may not happen. Worry can come from various sources, such as our own needs, other people’s expectations, or the world’s pressures. To overcome worry, we need to remember that God cares for us always, that he knows what we need, and that he will provide for us according to his will (1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 6:25-34).


• Pride: Pride is the obstacle of faith. It is a feeling of self-importance or superiority that makes us rely on ourselves or others, rather than on God. Pride can come from various sources, such as our own achievements, abilities, or possessions, or the praise or criticism of others. To overcome pride, we need to remember that God is the source of everything we have, that he is the judge of everything we do, and that he opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Corinthians 4:7).


• Disobedience: Disobedience is the sin of faith. It is a deliberate or intentional act of going against God’s will or commands. Disobedience can come from various motives, such as our own desires, fears, or doubts, or the influence or temptation of others. To overcome disobedience, we need to remember that God’s will is good, pleasing, and perfect, that he disciplines those he loves, and that he forgives us when we confess and repent (Romans 12:2; Hebrews 12:5-11; 1 John 1:9).

These are some of the common challenges to walking by faith and not by sight. You may face other challenges as well, depending on your situation and context. The key is to recognize them, resist them, and rely on God’s grace and power to overcome them.




Step 6: Celebrate the results of walking by faith and not by sight

Walking by faith and not by sight is not only a duty or a challenge but also a privilege and a joy. It has many positive results and rewards, both in this life and in the life to come. Here are some of them:

• Walking by faith and not by sight pleases God. The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). God delights in those who trust him and follow him with faith. He rewards them with his favour and blessing (Psalm 147:11; Hebrews 11:6).




• Walking by faith and not by sight transforms us. The Bible says that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Faith enables us to see beyond the visible and temporal, to the invisible and eternal. Faith changes our perspective, our values, and our actions. It makes us more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:18; Romans 12:2).




• Walking by faith and not by sight testifies to others. The Bible says that faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). Faith is not only a personal matter but also a public witness. Faith shows others who God is and what he has done for us. Faith inspires others to seek him and believe in him (Matthew 5:16; Acts 4:13).


• Walking by faith and not by sight glorifies God. The Bible says that whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Faith is not only a response to God’s grace but also a way of honouring his name. Faith acknowledges his sovereignty, his wisdom, and his goodness. Faith magnifies his greatness and his grace (Psalm 115:1; Ephesians 2:8-9).

These are some of the results of walking by faith and not by sight. You may experience other results as well, depending on how God works in your life and through your life. The important thing is to recognize them, thank them for them, and share them with others.




Final Thoughts

Choosing faith oversight is vital in the Christian life. It deepens our connection with God, aligns us with our purpose, and yields spiritual growth. Though not always easy, it's rewarding, benefitting our well-being and glorifying God.

To start this journey:

1. Understand faith oversight
2. Embrace its benefits
3. Seek guidance from the Bible
4. Apply practical tips
5. Overcome challenges
6. Celebrate the results

Through this, you'll find joy and peace, becoming a beacon of hope. Trust in God's faithfulness; He'll guide, protect, and fulfil His promises in your life. Walk in faith and witness God's transformative work. Amen."

Article Sources / References

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faith
https://lifehopeandtruth.com/change/faith/what-is-faith/
https://www.wikihow.com/Walk-by-Faith
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/practical-ways-to-walk-by-faith-and-not-by-sight.html
https://theblazingcenter.com/2023/04/walk-by-faith-trusting-god-on-every-path.html
https://www.gotquestions.org/walk-by-faith-not-by-sight.html
https://connectusfund.org/11-ways-to-walk-by-faith-not-by-sight