For we live by faith, not by sight. – 2 Corinthians 5:7
What do you see when you look at the world around you? Every day brings familiar sights: the streets you travel, the faces you love, and the quiet beauty of God’s creation woven into ordinary moments. Yet alongside these blessings, we also see pain, temptation, and the marks of a broken world. Scripture reminds us that while our eyes inform us, they do not lead us. Faith invites us to live by a deeper vision rooted in God’s promises rather than what appears before us.
What does 2 Corinthians 5:7 teach us about living by faith?
The apostle Paul gently redirects our focus from what is visible to what is eternal. Living by faith means trusting God even when circumstances seem uncertain or discouraging. Our physical sight is limited to the present moment, but faith anchors us in the unchanging truth of who God is and what He has promised. When we rely only on what we can see, our hope rises and falls with our circumstances. Faith steadies us by fixing our hearts on Christ.
Why is what we see often misleading?
God’s world still reflects His beauty and creativity. The majesty of nature, the joy of relationships, and the goodness we experience all point back to Him. At the same time, sin has distorted creation, and the things that capture our attention can quietly pull us away from God. Wealth, comfort, and status may look appealing, but they cannot satisfy the soul. What we see is temporary, and Scripture calls us to invest our lives in what will endure forever.
How does faith help us see God’s greater plan?
Faith opens our eyes to the truth that God is at work beyond what we can measure or control. This present world is not the final chapter. Creation itself is waiting for renewal, and believers are promised a future where all things will be restored. When we walk by faith, we learn to interpret hardship, beauty, and uncertainty through the lens of God’s eternal purposes rather than immediate outcomes.
How can we apply this truth to our daily walk with Christ?
Living by faith means trusting God with what we cannot see yet. We believe in His presence even when we feel alone. We rely on His love even when life feels fragile. We follow His leading even when the path ahead is unclear. Each step of faith draws us closer to Christ, whose beauty and grace never fade. One day, faith will give way to sight, and we will see our Savior face to face. Until then, we walk forward with confidence, patience, and joy, guided by faith and sustained by hope.