2 Corinthians 5: 7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight
The apostle Paul writes this scripture to encourage the church in Corinth who was experiencing great persecution. He tells them not to lose heart during their suffering because God had promised that when they died, they would be home with the Lord. This fact, of course, is a faith experience. Nobody had ever been to heaven yet and those who had died before them had not come back to verify the fact. Every believer was simply putting their faith in what Jesus told them, “I’m going away to prepare a place for you” (John 14:3). The Corinthians had to walk by faith and not by sight.
In the same way, we, as present -day believers, must walk by faith in God and His promises as well, not only in the promise of eternal life but also in the everyday challenges of life. We must trust God for provision, even when we do not see provision. We must trust God by being obedient to His command to forgive others, even when we do not see the fruit of that obedience right now. We must trust God to perform the miracles He has privately promised us, even when we do not see them manifest immediately. Today’s blog also reminds us that we must walk by faith even when our feelings don’t support the direction God is leading us.
Our faith journey can be full of happiness and joy but most often fear, disappointment and weariness especially when we do not see progress toward the promise. We can not allow these uncomfortable feelings to dictate that we are going the wrong way. It’s important to know God’s voice in your own personal life because it’s a delicate balance between feelings dictating to move or stay on the path you are on. In my experience, many people move when God is telling them to stay. Staying when feelings are uncomfortable produces growth. When I am honest about how I am feeling, and I bring those feelings to God, it provides an opportunity for God to minister to me. In those moments, I get to experience God in ways that I would not experience Him if I were not honest about my emotions or if I was always in situations that I enjoyed.
As we experience God at a deeper level, He can call us to do more impactful things for the Kingdom of God. The scripture says, “Be faithful over a few things and God will make you ruler of many” (Luke 16:10). My challenge to you is not to run from the uncomfortable spaces. Yet, as God directs, stay faithful to the path He is leading you on. As you submit your honest feelings to Him, watch Him grow your faith. As your faith grows watch Him use you in even greater ways!
Community Reflection: How has staying in the uncomfortable space grown your faith? Has God used that growth to impact Kingdom growth?
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