What Does It mean to Walk by Faith?
Key Scripture
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
Faith is more than simply believing that God exists. Biblical faith means trusting God, believing His Word, and allowing that trust to influence the way we live each day. In this Bible study, we will look at what Scripture teaches about walking by faith and how we can apply these truths to our everyday lives.
Walking by faith means choosing to trust God and His Word even when we cannot yet see the outcome. Biblical faith is not pretending that difficulties do not exist. Instead, it is placing greater confidence in what God has said than in what our circumstances appear to say.
When Scripture tells us to “walk by faith, not by sight,” the word walk points to the way we live our daily lives. Faith is not only for moments of crisis. It affects our decisions, our words, our expectations, and the way we respond when circumstances are uncertain.
Walking by faith, therefore, begins with knowing God and knowing His Word. The more we understand His character and His promises, the more confidently we can trust Him when we cannot see what lies ahead.
Faith Begins With God’s Word
Faith grows as we hear, receive, and believe the Word of God. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. This is why spending time in Scripture is so important. God’s Word gives us a foundation that does not change when our feelings or circumstances change.
When we face uncertainty, we can ask ourselves, “What has God said?” Rather than allowing fear, circumstances, or other voices to have the final word, we return to Scripture. As we read God’s Word, meditate on it, and speak it in faith, our thinking begins to align with His truth.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
Faith Changes How We Live
Walking by faith is not only about what we believe; it changes how we live. Faith influences the choices we make, the words we speak, and the way we respond when circumstances do not look the way we expected.
There will be times when what we see seems to contradict what God has promised. In those moments, faith chooses to remain anchored in God’s Word. We can acknowledge the circumstances without allowing them to become greater in our thinking than what God has said.
This does not mean that we ignore problems or pretend difficulties are not real. Instead, we face them with confidence that God is faithful, His Word is true, and He is with us as we move forward.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
Faith Requires Action
Faith is not passive. Throughout Scripture, we see people responding to God’s Word with action. They believed what God said, and their faith influenced what they did.
Noah built the ark because he believed God’s warning. Abraham left his homeland because he trusted God’s direction. Peter stepped out of the boat because Jesus told him to come. In each case, faith produced a response.
In the same way, walking by faith means allowing what we believe about God and His Word to influence our choices. Sometimes that means taking a step forward. Other times it means waiting patiently, continuing to pray, forgiving someone, changing our direction, or simply remaining faithful while we wait for God’s timing.
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:17 (NKJV)
How to Walk by Faith Every Day
Walking by faith is something we learn to practice every day. It grows as we spend time with God, fill our hearts with His Word, and choose to trust Him in the ordinary decisions of life. We do not have to understand everything ahead of us before taking the next faithful step.
1. Spend Time in God’s Word
Faith becomes stronger as God’s Word becomes more familiar to us. Make Scripture a regular part of your day. Read it slowly, think about what it says, and ask God to help you understand how it applies to your life. When difficult circumstances arise, you will have His truth established in your heart to return to.
2. Pray and Seek God’s Direction
Prayer keeps our hearts connected to God as we walk by faith. Bring your decisions, concerns, hopes, and uncertainties before Him. Ask for wisdom and direction, and then take time to pray, listen, and search His Word. Walking by faith means trusting God enough to seek His direction rather than relying only on our own understanding.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)
3. Trust God When You Cannot See the Outcome
Walking by faith often requires trusting God before we can see how a situation will turn out. We may not know what the next week, month, or year will bring, but God already knows the way ahead. Faith allows us to move forward with confidence in God’s faithfulness rather than needing to understand every detail first.
When answers seem delayed or circumstances remain uncertain, remember that God’s faithfulness is not determined by what we can presently see. We can continue praying, obeying His Word, and trusting His timing while we wait for His direction.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV)
4. Obey What God Shows You
Faith and obedience work together. As God gives us direction through His Word and leads us in our daily lives, walking by faith means responding to what He shows us. We may not always understand why God is leading us in a particular direction, but we can trust His wisdom and take the next step He places before us.
Obedience does not require knowing the entire plan. Often, God shows us one step at a time. As we faithfully follow what He has already revealed, we learn to recognize His direction and grow in our confidence that He will continue to guide us.
“If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;”
Isaiah 1:19 (NKJV)
5. Guard the Words You Speak
The words we speak can either strengthen our faith or reinforce our fears. Walking by faith includes learning to speak in agreement with God’s Word rather than allowing fear, doubt, or discouragement to control our conversation.
This does not mean denying that difficulties exist. It means choosing what will have the greater authority in our hearts and words. When circumstances are challenging, we can acknowledge what is happening while continuing to declare our confidence in God’s character, His promises, and His faithfulness.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
6. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Walking by faith becomes difficult when our attention is constantly fixed on our circumstances. Problems can appear larger the longer we focus on them. Scripture teaches us instead to turn our attention toward Jesus, remembering who He is and what He has already accomplished for us.
Keeping our eyes on Jesus does not mean ignoring our responsibilities or pretending challenges do not exist. It means that our circumstances do not determine where we place our confidence.
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
7. Remember God’s Faithfulness
One of the best ways to strengthen our faith for today is to remember what God has already done. Throughout Scripture, God’s people were encouraged to remember His faithfulness, His provision, and the ways He had delivered them in the past.
We can do the same in our own lives. When uncertainty comes, take time to remember prayers God has answered, doors He has opened, wisdom He has provided, and times He has carried you through difficult circumstances. Remembering His past faithfulness gives us courage to trust Him with what lies ahead.
“I will remember the works of the LORD; surely I will remember Your wonders of old.”
Psalm 77:11 (NKJV)
Walking by Faith Is a Daily Choice
Walking by faith is not something we do only once. It is a daily decision to trust God, believe His Word, follow His direction, and remain faithful even when we cannot see the entire path ahead.
Some days that faith may lead us to take a courageous step forward. Other days it may mean waiting patiently, continuing to pray, or simply refusing to give up. Whatever the situation, we can be confident that God is faithful and that He will continue to guide us as we place our trust in Him.
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
1 John 5:4 (NKJV)
Reflection: Where Is God Asking You to Walk by Faith?
Walking by faith becomes personal when we consider where God may be asking us to trust Him today. Faith is not only something we study in Scripture; it is something we practice in the decisions, uncertainties, and opportunities of everyday life.
Take a few moments to prayerfully consider the following questions.
- 1. Where in my life am I having difficulty trusting God right now?
- 2. What has God said in His Word that speaks to this situation?
- 3. Am I allowing what I see or feel to become greater than what God has said?
- 4. Is there a step of faith or obedience God is asking me to take?
- 5. What past examples of God’s faithfulness can I remember and thank Him for?
A Prayer for Walking by Faith
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and for the truth of Your Word. Help me to trust You even when I cannot see the way ahead. Teach me to walk by faith and not by sight. Give me wisdom to recognize Your direction, courage to obey what You show me, and patience to trust Your timing.
Guard my heart and the words I speak. Help me keep my eyes on Jesus and remember Your faithfulness in every circumstance. May my life reflect confidence in You and Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)