Walk by faith, and not by sight…

I am so excited to be able to connect with you this coming week. Together, we will dream, hope, and find peace in our miracle-working God!

Over the next week, I would love to introduce you to the most inspiring person I have ever known. This person is funny, joyful, refreshingly honest, courageous, passionate, and DEEPLY connected to Jesus. When I tell you who this person is, you may accuse me of necessary bias, but the truth is, I have learned more from this person about walking with Jesus than any other human being.

My wife, Laurel, is everything that I have said and more! She would deflect everything I assign her as character traits, but they are all true! Laurel is the heart and soul of our family, a consistent and sacrificial friend, a sought-out source of wisdom, and a fierce defender of the truth of God.

Laurel is also someone who faces challenges every day. Laurel was diagnosed three decades ago with Biette’s Crystalline Dystrophy. She also has another condition called Cystoid Macular Edema, which means Laurel is visually challenged. She struggles to see what you and I may take for granted.

Every day, we have prayed for a miracle healing for Laurel for more than 30 years. Along the way, Laurel has taught me SO many lessons about faith, courage, and hope. I want to share just a few of these lessons with you, and I know you will be encouraged as we walk this journey together.

That little word “walk” is a powerful one. I have the privilege of watching Laurel “walk by faith, and not by sight” literally and spiritually.

The Bible says:

“Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-10, NIV)

When Laurel and I walk together, we share communication. I can point out trip hazards or obstacles in the way, but Laurel is the only one who can confidently step out and move forward. Similarly, Laurel trusts God with every step.

She steps out because she wants to make the most of every single day! Sometimes, I have a hard time keeping up with her because of her passion and zeal for life.

I want to encourage you to live like Laurel today and boldly walk with Jesus. What step do you need to take that will make today count? How can you confidently trust that God will measure your steps and, in your heart, “Make it your goal to please Him”? Whatever God has asked you to do, He will be faithful in making your steps secure…IF you are willing to take that first step.

As you consider taking a bold step in faith today, hold on to this promise!

“I am God, your God, who teaches you how to live right and well.

I show you what to do, where to go.”

(Isaiah 48:17, NIV)

Maybe your step of faith is to open the door to repairing a broken relationship. Maybe the step is one of offering forgiveness to someone who hasn’t even asked. Whatever the step, let’s be bold and move forward with confidence.

I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!

You are a miracle!

Your friend,

Grant Fishbook

P.S. The texts of this reading come from the daily email A Miracle Every Day. If you would like to receive daily encouragement, I invite you to subscribe to A Miracle Every Day.