What does "walk by faith, not by sight" mean?

Meaning of the Phrase

“Walk by faith, not by sight” is drawn from 2 Corinthians 5:7, which states, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” This phrase conveys the idea that followers are to ground their daily lives, decisions, and hopes in trust in God’s promises rather than in external circumstances or limited human perception. It highlights reliance on the unseen realities of God’s character and plan.

Biblical Context

The immediate context in 2 Corinthians 5 includes teaching on the eternal destiny of believers, the resurrection body, and Christ’s transforming work. In verse 6, Paul speaks of being “away from the Lord” while in the earthly body, emphasizing that believers anticipate a future heavenly dwelling not yet visible. Verse 7 then underscores that one’s life must be guided by faith in God’s promises about this heavenly reality rather than what can be merely observed.

Faith and Assurance

Scripture consistently presents faith as confidence in what God has spoken, even if it cannot be fully verified by human senses. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” This assurance is not baseless—it rests on the revealed promises and character of God, seen throughout the testimonies of Scripture and confirmed in Christ’s resurrection.

Examples in Scripture

1. Abraham’s Journey

Abraham exemplifies “walking by faith” when he departed from his homeland without knowing his final destination (Genesis 12:1–4). Later, Romans 4:3 notes, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Belief in God’s promise sustained him, even when all external evidence (his age, Sarah’s barrenness) suggested otherwise.

2. Moses and the Exodus

Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt based on God’s word alone. Despite the overwhelming Egyptian army and the seemingly impassable Red Sea, Moses trusted God’s guidance (Exodus 14). Though sight would indicate defeat, faith carried them forward, and the sea miraculously parted.

3. Disciples of Jesus

The disciples’ walk of faith was tested repeatedly, such as when Jesus invited Peter to walk on water (Matthew 14:28–29). Sight told Peter that waves and wind made his steps impossible, but faith allowed him to take those initial steps in response to Jesus’ command.

Connection to the Resurrection

The resurrection of Christ stands as a foundational event, assuring believers that God is faithful to His promises. While the event surpasses ordinary human experience, those who trust the testimonies of Scripture do so by faith. As stated in John 20:29, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” The resurrection reveals the ultimate victory over death, reinforcing why a life of faith, even amidst trials and uncertainties, is warranted.

Practical Outworking

Walking by faith involves daily trust in God’s word and character:

• Prayerful Dependence – Seeking God for wisdom and provision, confident He hears and responds (Philippians 4:6–7).

• Obedience to Scripture – Acting on biblical directives even when culture or emotion might suggest otherwise (James 1:22).

• Hope in Trials – Holding onto God’s promises, such as Romans 8:28, that He works all things for the good of those who love Him.

• Spirit-Led Living – Relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power, rather than mere human ability or limited sight.

Contrast with Walking by Sight

Walking by sight relies on what can be observed, measured, or logically deduced without a spiritual frame. By depending exclusively on the visible, one can become driven by temporary shifts in life’s circumstances. Scripture frequently warns against basing one’s life on such shifting foundations (James 4:13–15). Faith in what God has spoken provides a firmer, eternal anchor.

Encouragement for Daily Life

To walk by faith does not imply ignorance of reality but rather an acknowledgment that spiritual realities supersede and inform one’s understanding of daily life. Practical steps include:

• Meditation on God’s Promises – Memorizing and reflecting on biblical truths regularly.

• Fellowship and Accountability – Being encouraged by fellow believers’ experiences of God’s faithfulness (Hebrews 10:24–25).

• Thanksgiving and Worship – Cultivating a heart of gratitude that sees beyond present trials.

Eternal Perspective

Ultimately, “walking by faith, not by sight” is rooted in the conviction that this life is not the end. 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 reminds readers to focus on “what is unseen” because “what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This eternal perspective shapes present decisions and brings hope when life’s immediate evidence appears contradictory to God’s promises.

Conclusion

“Walk by faith, not by sight” calls for confidence in God’s revealed word and character above the fluctuating details of human experience. It is an invitation to live with an eternal outlook, trusting that the One who created all things has provided trustworthy promises. As the scriptural record and countless testimonies affirm, a life guided by faith rests on the firm foundation of God’s faithfulness and ultimately brings glory to Him.