For we walk by faith, not by sight: ” 2 Corinthians 5:7, nestled within Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, offers a concise yet profound principle for the Christian life: "For we live by faith, not by sight." This statement is part of Paul's broader discussion about the challenges and realities of living as Christians in the world, including the hope of resurrection and the eternal home awaiting believers. Paul, writing to encourage and instruct the Corinthians amid their struggles, emphasizes faith as the foundation for navigating the complexities of life.
This verse underscores the essence of faith — a trust in God and His promises that transcends what is immediately visible or tangible. Paul contrasts living by faith with living by sight, suggesting that the Christian journey involves reliance on the unseen truths of God's word and character, rather than the changing circumstances or appearances of the present world.
The principle of walking by faith holds significant implications for contemporary believers, guiding how to approach uncertainties, challenges, and decisions. In a culture that often values empirical evidence and visible success, the call to live by faith invites a different perspective, one that trusts in God's guidance and provision even when the path is not fully clear. It encourages a confidence that God's purposes are being worked out even in situations that, from a human perspective, might seem uncertain or difficult. This perspective fosters resilience and hope, reminding us that our ultimate trust is in God's character and promises, rather than our ability to understand or control our circumstances. It's a call to anchor our lives in the unseen realities of God's love and faithfulness, allowing them to shape our responses to the world around us.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ” In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the Israelites at a time of great despair. They were exiled, living in Babylon, far from their homeland. Jeremiah's words were meant to offer hope and assurance during this period of upheaval. His message was not just for their immediate comfort but also to give them a perspective of a hopeful future planned by God.
This passage in Jeremiah speaks directly to the heart of encouragement, especially in the face of uncertainty and difficulty. It's a reminder that even when our current circumstances seem bleak or disheartening, there is a broader plan for good, for hope, and for a future. This can be particularly resonant for us when we face our own periods of doubt or when our path seems unclear. It's a call to trust in a greater plan that we might not fully understand yet.
