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So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:6-7, ESV).
Note the context of “faith, not by sight,” as it’s the time we are away from the Lord, the interim period between the first and second comings of Jesus. As believers, we should focus on our relationship with Jesus and our hope for resurrection rather than the trials and tribulations of this world.
And we need this faith now as Jesus describes the times in which we live today…
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved (Matthew 24:21-22a).
However, our faith isn’t just about hope in the end-times; it’s a constant way of living. Dietrich Bonhoeffer (killed for this faithfulness by the Nazis) wrote in The Cost of Discipleship that, “Walking by faith means obedience even when ‘sight’ or logic, physical limitations, or political safety warns against it.”
Dallas Willard, in his book The Divine Conspiracy, says faith is not a blind leap into the dark but a well-placed confidence in a reality we can’t see with our physical eyes.
And current mega-bestselling author John Mark Comer tells us to develop “night vision,” or in his words, “Give your soul night vision that lets you see Jesus in the darkest moments.”
Each of us has an area of fear in which we need faith to overcome the debilitating impact of our anxieties. And this is the amazing aspect of faith — or believing in what we can’t see — that the Bible teaches: the result of this type of faith isn’t fear but peace, a peace that surpasses understanding.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Wow! I believe in living by faith, and some of my personal faith statements, developed through prayerful communication with the Lord to help me overcome my fears, are…
- I don’t have to succeed; I just have to try.
- I don’t care about money; I care about God’s will.
- God’s will in my life doesn’t depend upon me understanding everything.
A Brief Study Guide: Developing Faith in the Interim
- Active Obedience: Like Bonhoeffer, choose immediate obedience over human logic or safety. What step is God asking you to take?
- Kingdom Vision: Practice Willard’s advice — look past the physical to trust the unseen reality of God’s present Kingdom.
- Night Vision: Slow down to recognize Jesus in dark or silent times.
Daily Affirmation: I don’t have to succeed; I just have to try. God’s will doesn’t depend on my understanding.