Resilient: Powerful Hope in a Dangerous WorldSample

In a world that values what is tangible and visible, it can be challenging to hold onto faith that is not based on what we see. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are called to believe not by sight but by faith. Our faith is not based on what we can see or feel but on what we believe to be true. Even when things are difficult, and we don't understand what God is doing, we can still have hope and joy because of our faith in him. The joy that comes from faith is not just a temporary emotion but a deep and lasting sense of peace and contentment that comes from knowing we are loved and saved by God.

And even though we may not see Jesus physically with us right now, we can still experience his presence and love through the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us and gives us the strength and courage to endure. Our faith in Jesus is not just a mental agreement but a real and active relationship with the Living God.

The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:7, "For we live by faith, not by sight." This means that our faith in Jesus is not based on what we can see with our physical eyes but on what we believe to be true in our hearts. It's a choice to trust in the promises of God, even when things are difficult or don't make sense.

Believing not by sight requires us to step out in faith, take risks, and trust that God works for our good even when we can't see it. It means relying on the Holy Spirit to give us the strength and courage to persevere, even when things are hard.

But it's not just a one-time decision. Believing not by sight is a daily practice, a constant choice to trust God's faithfulness, even when we can't see the end result. It requires us to seek his will and trust his plan, even when uncertain.

So today, if you are struggling to believe, I encourage you to trust in the promises of God, even if they don't make sense. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength and courage to believe, even when things are difficult. And know that as you hold onto your faith and trust in God, you will experience the peace and joy that come from believing, not by sight.

Reflection Questions

1. What does it mean to live by faith and not by sight, and how does this impact our daily lives as believers?
2. How can we daily lean into the Holy Spirit to be reminded of the nearness of our God?
3. What role does trust in God’s goodness play in our ability to believe by faith and not by sight, and how can we grow in our trust in the goodness of God?