Not Doctrine – a Person!

For we walk by faith, not by sight. – 2 Corinthians 5:7

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). The Apostle Paul would be content either way – actually his greatest joy would have been to be with Christ in Heaven, but the other option of continuing his life on Earth was pleasing as well, as long as he continued to give glory to the Lord.

Isn’t it always a choice of attitude no matter your circumstances? If you have God’s perspective, you will understand that everything you see is transient; it is temporary. The unseen things are eternal. Let that sink in…eternal, but real and certain by faith. As described in one Bible commentary, “Faith moves us to a realm inaccessible to the senses and not open to ordinary means of verification. In faith there must be that inner assurance that God does exist and that he rewards those who seek him, and this assurance makes possible the believer’s response to promise. Faith never rests in a doctrine but always in a person and in the trustworthiness of that person” (Hebrews 11:1-6).

So in this life, walk by faith – obedient to the words of Scripture, the words of the Creator God. Creation shouts His existence, and the work He does in each believer’s heart – in your heart – must give you pause for thanksgiving and praise. Trust that is centered on Christ will assure you of seeing Him face to face in the future.

Walk by faith. Be comforted when you are under the troubles of this life. Intercede for those around you – for this nation, that their trust will be directed to the God of the universe, not to man.

Today’s Verse: 2 Corthinians 5:7

for we walk by faith, not by sight.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


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