Walking by Faith When You Cannot See

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads where the path ahead seems obscured by shadows? You may be facing a pivotal decision in your life, where uncertainty looms larger than clarity. You might be grappling with a health crisis, a strained relationship, or a job loss—a scene where the familiar comforts are stripped away, leaving you feeling vulnerable and alone. It’s in these moments of deep uncertainty that we are challenged to trust—and not just trust in the outcome but to walk by faith, as Paul encourages in 2 Corinthians 5:7. This journey of faith is inviting us into a deeper relationship with God, who sees what we cannot.

Walking by faith means living in a way that acknowledges God's sovereignty over our circumstances. The biblical foundation for this kind of faith is evident throughout Scripture. The narrative of Abraham in Genesis is one of the prime examples; he left everything familiar behind in search of a land promised by God, all the while unsure of where he was going. As believers, we are called to live with a similar kind of profound trust—stepping forward even when the destination remains hidden.

Faith is not merely a feeling; it’s an active choice to believe in God's goodness and promises, even when our natural circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. Hebrews 11:1 offers us a profound definition of faith:

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

This assurance and conviction drive us to persevere, holding on to the hope that God is faithful to His word.

We find throughout Scripture that faith often opposes what we can see with our eyes. In the Gospel of Mark, we see a father crying out to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (

Mark 9:24

). His plea reflects the tension we frequently feel—believing amidst uncertainty. In such moments, it's vital to recognize that faith can coexist with doubt; they are not mutually exclusive. Faith is often best understood through our wrestling and questioning.

Consider also Romans 8:28, which reassures us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him. This includes our hardships and our uncertainties. Another encouraging reminder comes from Isaiah 41:10, where God instructs us not to fear because He is with us—His presence is our source of strength and reassurance.

As you navigate your own uncertainties, you might wonder how to practically cultivate faith in your daily life. Here are some actionable steps:

• Daily Scripture Reading: Set aside time each day to read and meditate on God’s Word. Choose passages that speak about faith, such as Psalm 56:3 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
• Prayer Journaling: Write down your prayers and uncertainties. Bring your fears to God in honesty, and write what you sense He is saying back to you.
• Surround Yourself with Community: Engage with a community of believers who encourage you and challenge your faith. Share your struggles and victories with them.
• Practice Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal. Reflect on—and write down—things you are thankful for, even during difficult times, which helps shift focus from fear to faith.
• Speak Scriptures Aloud: Find a few verses on faith (like 2 Timothy 1:7) and speak them aloud, inviting their truth to permeate your heart and mind.

To illustrate these principles, let’s consider the story of Sarah, who faced uncertainty with her health. After receiving concerning news from her doctor, she felt overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Instead of shrinking back into despair, Sarah chose to lean on her faith. She began a daily practice of reading and meditating on God’s promises—particularly Isaiah 41:10. She shared her burden with her small group, asking for prayer and support.

As a result of actively engaging her faith, Sarah began to notice shifts in her mindset. Each night, she’d write in her prayer journal, detailing not only her fears but also the ways God had provided comfort and strength, which consistently filled her heart with gratitude. Over time, Sarah discovered that while her circumstances had not changed dramatically, her perspective had transformed. Rather than being paralyzed by uncertainty, she now felt empowered to trust in God's plan and presence.

Let’s take a moment to pause and reflect through prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before You in my vulnerability and uncertainty. Help me to trust in Your plan even when I cannot see. Teach me to walk by faith, not by sight. Thank You for Your promises that assure me of Your love and guidance. Reveal to me the areas where I need to let go and embrace faith more fully. In Jesus' name, Amen.

As you pray, consider the following reflection questions:

• What areas of your life feel engulfed by uncertainty right now?
• How have you previously seen God work in your life during difficult times?
• What specific steps can you take this week to intentionally walk in faith?

As we wrap up, remember that walking by faith when you cannot see is not just about enduring through the uncertainties; it’s about leaning into the promises of God and allowing His love to sustain you. Faith is a muscle that grows with exercise, and every step forward is a declaration of your trust in Him. Embrace each moment of doubt as an opportunity to deepen your relationship with the Lord.

The next step you take, no matter how small, is a testament of your faith. Commit to one action from the steps provided above, and set your heart toward God daily. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, we walk by faith, not by sight. In that faith, we find our security amidst the unknown.