If anything could have shaken the apostle Paul’s faith, it was the problems in the church he established in Corinth. He radically loved them and continued to minister to them, despite their errors and failures. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul urges them to be motivated for the future presence of Christ. He states in 2 Corinthians 5:7, ”Walk by faith, and not by sight.” He encourages all to live their lives with a heavenly perspective so that they will be complete in their faith in Christ.

To be victorious Christians, we must exercise our faith and be determined to live a life of faith despite our ever-changing feelings and circumstances. Walking by faith requires tremendous courage and obedience. We are reminded in Romans 10:17, ”Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Walking by faith is a journey of blessings and rewards that is incredibly fulfilling when we experience the fullness of God’s grace.

Through the eyes of faith, we must see ourselves the way God does. It says in Genesis 15:5, “God took Abraham outside and said, ‘Look up at the sky and count the stars-if indeed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’” Abraham chose to embrace and believe the promise that was given him even though his elderly wife, Sarah, was barren. We all need to exhibit such faith as his and Paul’s, even though we cannot see how it will come about.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me more faith, and teaching me to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me to embrace your promises and to have an eternal perspective. Thank you, Father, that when we believe in you, out faith is credited to us as righteousness. Thank you, Holy Spirit, that you are here with us to help us have faith. Amen.

Go Deeper — Are there things you think we have to “see to believe”? Why is that?



Tags: 1 & 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians 5
Photo Credit: Danielle MacInnis