Walk by Faith Not by Sight: Meaning, Context, and Application
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Have you ever faced a moment so uncertain that trusting in something greater than yourself was the only option? The phrase “Walk by faith not by sight” from 2 Corinthians 5:7 is a timeless reminder to rely on God’s promises, even when the path ahead is unclear. It speaks directly to our human experience of uncertainty, urging us to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary.
Let’s explore the meaning of “walk by faith not by sight,” its historical context, and the powerful lessons it offers for our daily lives.
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The Context of 2 Corinthians 5:7: Corinth in Paul’s Time
Corinth was a bustling, wealthy city in the Roman Empire, known for its cultural diversity and moral challenges. It was a hub of trade and ideas, but also a place filled with idolatry, materialism, and philosophical debates. For early believers in Yeshua living there, staying faithful amidst these distractions was no small task.
The Corinthian believers faced unique pressures. Many were new to faith and struggled to reconcile their commitment to God with the temptations and ideologies around them. Questions about the resurrection, eternal life, and God’s promises were especially difficult for some to grasp.
Paul wrote to address their doubts, encourage their faith, and point them toward the bigger picture of God’s eternal purposes. His words, “We walk by faith, not by sight,” were a reminder that the visible challenges they faced were temporary compared to God’s unseen, eternal promises.
What Does “Walk by Faith, Not by Sight” Mean?
Faith, or emunah in Hebrew, is deeply connected to trust, reliability, and steadfastness. It’s not just believing in God’s existence but relying on His character and promises. Faith says, “I trust that God is who He says He is, even when I can’t see how things will work out.”
On the other hand, “sight” refers to the physical and tangible world—the things we can observe and measure. Paul contrasts living by faith with living according to appearances or human understanding.
Walking by sight means being driven by fear, circumstances, or worldly values. Walking by faith means trusting God’s eternal plan, even when the current situation looks discouraging.
Paul expands on this in 2 Corinthians 4:18, where he says:
“…as we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. For what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.”
TLV
This perspective shift is at the heart of what it means to walk by faith.
Why This Message Still Matters Today
The challenges the Corinthian believers faced aren’t so different from what we face now. We live in a world filled with distractions, uncertainties, and competing values.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what we see—a difficult diagnosis, financial strain, relational conflicts, or global turmoil. Like them, we’re called to fix our eyes on God’s promises, not just on our circumstances.
Walking by faith doesn’t mean ignoring reality. It means seeing reality through the lens of God’s truth. This perspective strengthens us when life is hard.
For example, someone facing illness can trust God as the ultimate healer, even while seeking medical help. A person dealing with financial struggles can remember that God provides, even as they work hard to improve their situation.
Faith gives us courage and hope because we know God is always at work behind the scenes.
How to Walk by Faith in Your Life
Start with God’s Promises
Begin by grounding yourself in Scripture. The Bible is full of reminders that God is faithful. For instance, Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that “those who wait for Adonai will renew their strength.” Meditate on these truths, write them down, and speak them out loud when doubt creeps in.
Shift Your Focus
Teach yourself to look beyond the temporary. When faced with challenges, ask: “How might God be working in this?” Keeping an eternal perspective doesn’t make problems disappear, but it helps us see them in a new light.
For example, financial struggles might teach us reliance on God, and relational conflicts might grow our patience and humility.
Learn to Trust in Uncertainty
Life is full of unknowns, and walking by faith means trusting God even when you can’t see what’s next. Think about Abraham, who left his home without knowing where God was leading him, or Esther, who risked her life to save her people. They didn’t have all the answers, but they trusted the One who did.
Practice Faith Daily
Faith isn’t built in a single moment. It’s a daily practice of prayer, study, and stepping out in trust. Spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and worship help us keep our eyes on God. Joining a community of believers can also provide encouragement and accountability as you grow in faith.
Use T.R.U.S.T as Your Guide to Walk by Faith
Walking by faith can sometimes feel overwhelming, but having a simple tool to guide you makes it easier. The word TRUST can serve as a reminder of key steps to keep your faith strong, even in difficult times.
- T – Turn to God first
When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, our first instinct might be to turn to friends, family, or even our own strength. While those things have value, the first step in walking by faith is to turn to God. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re reminded to “trust in Adonai with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Starting with God brings clarity and peace. - R – Remember His faithfulness
Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness strengthens our trust in the present. Think about the ways God has provided, guided, and comforted you in the past. The Bible is full of stories where God showed His faithfulness, from leading the Israelites through the Red Sea to sustaining Yeshua’s disciples. When doubt arises, remind yourself that the God who was faithful then is still faithful now. - U – Understand His promises
You can’t walk by faith if you don’t know what God has promised. Dive into Scripture to discover the depth of His promises for you. For example, Isaiah 41:10 assures us: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” Understanding these truths gives you a solid foundation when life feels shaky. - S – Step forward with confidence
Walking by faith requires action. Faith isn’t passive—it’s an active trust in God. Whether it’s reaching out to help someone in need, taking a risk in obedience to God’s call, or simply choosing joy in hardship, stepping forward shows your trust in God’s plans, even when the outcome is unclear. - T – Thank Him continually
Gratitude shifts your perspective from fear to faith. When you thank God for what He’s done and what He’s doing, you’re acknowledging His presence in your life. As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Messiah Yeshua.” A thankful heart keeps you focused on His goodness, no matter the circumstances.
Let this acronym serve as a daily reminder to trust in God, keeping your focus on Him no matter what you face. By turning to Him first, remembering His faithfulness, understanding His promises, stepping out in obedience, and thanking Him always, you can confidently walk by faith, not by sight.
Bible Verses About Having Faith and Trust
Faith and trust in God are central to walking by faith, not by sight. Scripture is filled with reminders of God’s faithfulness and His call for us to rely on Him.
Whether we are facing uncertainty, waiting on His promises, or simply seeking to strengthen our daily walk, the Bible offers verses that guide and encourage us.
Below are some powerful scriptures about faith and trust to meditate on and apply to your life.
“Trust in Adonai with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (TLV)
This verse highlights the importance of trusting God fully and allowing Him to guide your steps.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)
A reminder that God’s presence and strength are with us, even in the toughest times.
“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Psalm 56:3-4 (NASB)
This verse reminds us to turn to God in moments of fear, finding courage in His faithfulness.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of realities not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (TLV)
A foundational verse that defines faith as believing in what we cannot see because we trust in God.
“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Matthew 6:25-26 (NASB)
Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they?
Yeshua’s reassurance that God will take care of all our needs, encouraging us to live with faith in His provision.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (TLV)
A beautiful reminder that faith and trust in God replace anxiety with His peace.
“Blessed is the person who trusts in the Lord, and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and does not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought, nor cease to yield fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NASB)
Trusting in God brings stability and fruitfulness, even in challenging seasons.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and shalom in trusting, so you may overflow with hope in the power of the Ruach ha-Kodesh.”
Romans 15:13 (TLV)
A prayerful encouragement that trusting in God brings hope, peace, and joy through His Spirit.
My Story: Learning to Walk by Faith After a Stroke
A few years ago, my life changed in an instant. I had a stroke, and in those first months afterward, I felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. Writing, which had always been my passion and ministry, suddenly seemed like it might no longer be possible. My body was weak, my mind was clouded, and even typing a few words felt like climbing a mountain.
I remember staring at my computer, wondering what to do. Should I close down the blog I’d poured my heart into? Should I sell it and accept that this chapter of my life might be over? Logically, those seemed like the most sensible options. My abilities were gone—or so I thought—and continuing felt impossible.
But every time I came close to shutting it down, something in my heart said, “Wait.” That still, small voice whispered to me that this wasn’t the end of my story. I didn’t know how or when things would change, but I felt God asking me to trust Him.
In those days, walking by faith took on a whole new meaning. I couldn’t rely on what I saw or what I could do in my own strength. All I had was God’s promise that He had a plan for me, even when I couldn’t see it.
Day by day, I began to see His hand at work and my mind grew clearer. And then, almost miraculously, my ability to write returned—not just as it had been, but better. The ideas flowed more easily, my words carried a deeper purpose, and my writing became sharper and more impactful than ever before.
Looking back, I see now how God used that season to grow my faith. He taught me to let go of control and lean on Him completely. What seemed like the end was actually a beginning. Not only was I able to continue my blogging ministry, but God opened doors I never imagined. New opportunities to share His Word, connect with others, and even expand the ministry emerged.
In addition to this, I enrolled in a graduate program at seminary. While I am not taking classes as heavily as I would have before my stroke and it is taking me longer, I am actually maintaining a high GPA and I can’t ask for more than that.
If I had relied only on what I could see in those dark days, I might have closed the blog and walked away from a calling God hadn’t finished. But trusting in Him—walking by faith and not by sight—brought me to a place of restoration and growth I couldn’t have planned on my own.
To anyone who feels like their circumstances are too overwhelming or their abilities too limited, I want to encourage you: God’s plans are bigger than what you can see. Trust Him, even when the path ahead seems unclear. He is always working behind the scenes, and His faithfulness never fails.
My Final Thoughts
Walking by faith and not by sight is a life-changing perspective. It invites us to live with trust in God’s eternal promises, even when the way forward seems unclear. When we choose faith over sight, we experience peace, hope, and a deeper connection to God.
If this message spoke to you, I encourage you to explore more on our YouTube channel, where we share teachings for adults and uplifting songs for kids, like the one below. Subscribe today and take another step on your journey of faith! Let us know in the comments how you’re choosing to walk by faith in your life.
Don’t forget to download your free copy of our Walking by Faith Bible study and reflection questions below!
FAQs
How do I stay faithful when my prayers seem unanswered?
It’s natural to feel discouraged when prayers go unanswered, but remember that God’s timing and plans are perfect. He may be working in ways you can’t see yet. Look at biblical examples like Joseph, whose dreams took years to be fulfilled, or David, who waited to become king.
Is it possible to walk by faith and still feel fear?
Yes, faith and fear can coexist. Faith doesn’t mean never feeling afraid; it means choosing to trust God despite your fears. Many biblical heroes, like Moses and Gideon, had moments of fear but still followed God’s leading.
How can I recognize if I’m walking by sight instead of faith?
One way to check is by asking, “What’s driving my decisions—fear, pressure, or God’s promises?” If you find yourself relying only on what seems logical or safe, it may be time to pray for God’s guidance and step out in faith.
Can walking by faith lead to mistakes?
Faith isn’t about being perfect; it’s about trusting God. Sometimes, you may misstep, but God can use even those moments to teach and grow you. Walking by faith is a process, and God is patient with us as we learn.
How can I help my kids understand walking by faith?
Share stories of faith from the Bible and your own life. Use simple examples, like trusting a parent to catch them when they jump, to illustrate how we trust God. Singing songs or acting out stories can also make the idea more relatable for children. We have kids’ songs on our YouTube channel you can use!
Download Printable Study and Reflection Questions
About Our Author
Diane Ferreira is a Jewish believer, wife, and mom, as well as a proud bulldog mom. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Jewish Studies at seminary, deepening her passion for Scripture and Jewish history. Diane writes with a heart to connect the rich traditions of her Jewish heritage with her faith in Yeshua, offering insights that inspire believers to grow in their walk with God. When she’s not studying or writing, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and crochet.
NASB – “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation“
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.