NOT by sight
For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7 NKJV)
What does it mean to live by faith and not by sight?
I once read a story about an occurrence that transpired in London some time ago. It beautifully illustrates this concept.
Severe weather conditions, combined with collected air pollutants had caused a thick fog to cover the entire city of London. Because of the thickness of the fog, visibility was significantly reduced causing a major interruption to all city life. All means of transportation were disrupted and the only way around was to shuffle through and feel for obstacles and curbs.
The only group of people that were not affected by the fog, were the legally blind. In fact, rumor has it, that they were summoned by very important city officials to assist with important missions throughout this time period.
You see, they have adapted a standard of living that was not influenced by their ever-changing environment. The forecast had no effect on their ability to function.
Likewise, as believers, we are called to a standard of living that is not affected by ever-changing circumstances. Thus, our circumstances will not affect our ability to remain at peace, even when our circumstances become harsh.
Naturally, we are prone to make decisions according to our circumstances. Meaning we analyze and look at the situation we are in, and we try to come up with the best possible solution to the situation based on what appears.
But a life of faith calls us to make decisions according to the word of God, NOT according to how difficult a situation may appear.
Jacob learned this valuable lesson when he made the journey back to Cannon.
God calls Jacob to take his family, leave his uncle Laban, and return to the land of his fathers.
Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you. (Gen. 31:3 BSB)
Jacob has long fled from there in fear of his brother whom he wrongfully deceived on multiple occasion. God had given Jacob a promise…
I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted. (Gen. 31:12 BSB)
But now it’s time to return and Jacob is fearful. He sends messengers to analyze and investigate the situation and he receives word that Esau is coming to meet him with 400 men. The situation does not at all appear prosperous as God had said but on the contrary threatening, causing Jacob to fear even more. Jacobs initial response is a "walk by sight" response and he attempts to develop and entertain different strategic plans to escape.
He then has a long sleepless night where he encounters God.
This has caused him to forsake the natural response of escape (walking by sight), and to move forward according to God’s promise (walking by faith). How ironic, the apparent circumstances weren't promising until the very last moment when he comes face to face with his brother. All along he had to shut his eyes to the circumstance and move forward according to the promise.
Just as for Jacob, God often allows our circumstances to teach us to become a people that don’t live according to what presently appears (walk by sight) but to adhere to God's word (live by faith).
As it becomes a continuous standard of living, we will not be moved when difficult times come. Just as the blind in our London Fog story, life will be business as usual.
Supporting Text
But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water , yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither...(Ps. 1:2-3)
Comments
Post a Comment