Walking by Faith: Trusting Beyond What We See
Summary
In this new series, we embark on a journey to understand what it truly means to walk by faith, as outlined in 2 Corinthians 5:6-7 and Hebrews 11. Walking by faith is not just a concept but a lifestyle that requires us to believe, obey, persist, and announce our faith even when circumstances seem contrary. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It is about visualizing the future in the present and believing in possibilities before they manifest. This series will explore the adventures of faith walking, drawing lessons from the faith heroes in Hebrews 11, such as Noah, Abraham, and the Israelites.
Walking by faith involves believing when we cannot see, obeying when we do not understand, and persisting even when we do not feel like it. It is about trusting God's promises over our feelings and circumstances. Faith requires us to announce in advance what we believe God will do, even if it seems foolish to others. This is exemplified by the stories of Noah building an ark before rain existed, Abraham leaving his homeland without knowing his destination, and the Israelites walking through the Red Sea. These acts of faith were not based on visible evidence but on trust in God's word.
Faith also means persisting when we don't feel like it. Our culture often emphasizes feelings, but faith calls us to act beyond our emotions. Persistence in faith is about focusing on the unseen and trusting that God will fulfill His promises. It is about enduring challenges and remaining steadfast in our commitments, whether in marriage, parenting, or ministry. Faith is not passive; it is active and requires us to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear.
As we continue this series, we are reminded that faith is not just about personal belief but about influencing others and leaving a legacy of faith. It is about trusting God to do the impossible and stepping out in obedience, knowing that He is faithful to His promises.
Key Takeaways:
- Believing Before Seeing: Faith is about visualizing the future in the present and believing in possibilities before they manifest. It requires us to trust in God's promises even when we cannot see the outcome. This belief is foundational to achieving great things, as seen in the lives of faith heroes like Noah and Abraham. [04:18]
- Obeying Without Understanding: True faith involves obeying God's commands even when they do not make sense to us. This obedience is a test of our trust in God, as demonstrated by Noah building the ark and Abraham leaving his homeland. Obedience often involves risk, but it leads to God's blessings. [12:22]
- Persisting Despite Feelings: Our culture often emphasizes feelings, but faith calls us to act beyond our emotions. Persistence in faith is about focusing on the unseen and trusting that God will fulfill His promises. It is about enduring challenges and remaining steadfast in our commitments. [26:15]
- Announcing in Advance: Faith requires us to declare what we believe God will do, even if it seems foolish to others. This involves speaking words of faith and setting goals based on God's promises. Our words have power, and by speaking in faith, we align ourselves with God's will. [37:12]
- Trusting in God's Capacity: Faith shifts our focus from our limitations to God's limitless power. It is about seeing God as capable of creating and fulfilling His promises. This perspective allows us to walk in faith, knowing that God can do the impossible. [09:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Gratitude and Love
- [00:40] - Introduction to Faith Walking
- [01:08] - Importance of Walking by Faith
- [02:14] - Introduction of Andy and Stacy Wood
- [03:20] - Seven Facets of Faith
- [03:35] - Believing When I Don't See It
- [09:17] - Obeying When I Don't Understand It
- [22:24] - Persisting When I Don't Feel Like It
- [36:46] - Announcing in Advance
- [40:53] - Conclusion and Invitation
- [41:48] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Walking by Faith
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 5:6-7
- Hebrews 11:1-2, 6-8, 27
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:6-7, what is the basis of our confidence as believers? How does this relate to walking by faith? [00:40]
2. In Hebrews 11:1, how is faith defined? What does it mean to have assurance and conviction in things not seen? [03:35]
3. What examples of faith are given in Hebrews 11, and how do they illustrate the concept of obeying without understanding? [09:31]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith and persistence, especially when feelings are not aligned with actions? [22:24]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "believing before seeing" challenge our natural inclinations, and what does it reveal about the nature of faith? [04:18]
2. What does the story of Noah building the ark teach us about the importance of obeying God even when His commands seem illogical? [10:13]
3. How can the example of Abraham's obedience at 75 years old inspire us to trust God with our own life decisions, regardless of age or circumstance? [11:11]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that persistence in faith can lead to spiritual growth and fulfillment, even when emotions are not supportive? [22:39]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a situation in your life where you need to "believe before seeing." How can you apply the principle of faith in this context? [04:18]
2. Is there a command from God that you find difficult to obey because it doesn't make sense to you? What steps can you take to trust and obey in this area? [09:31]
3. Think of a time when you persisted in faith despite not feeling like it. What was the outcome, and how can this experience encourage you in current challenges? [22:24]
4. How can you practice announcing your faith in advance, even if it seems foolish to others? What is one specific goal you can set based on God's promises? [37:12]
5. Identify an area in your life where you are focusing on your limitations rather than God's limitless power. How can you shift your perspective to trust in God's capacity? [09:05]
6. Consider a relationship or commitment where you feel like giving up. What practical steps can you take to persist and remain steadfast in faith? [26:15]
7. How can you influence others and leave a legacy of faith through your actions and words this week? What specific actions will you take to demonstrate your faith? [42:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Visualizing the Unseen Future
Faith invites us to see beyond our current circumstances, envisioning a future shaped by God's promises. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This perspective allows us to trust in God's plan, even when the path is unclear. By focusing on the possibilities that God has in store, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that He is at work in our lives. The stories of faith heroes like Noah and Abraham remind us that believing before seeing is foundational to achieving great things. [04:18]
Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to see God's promises? How can you begin to trust Him to work in that area today?
Day 2: Obedience Beyond Understanding
True faith involves obeying God's commands even when they do not make sense to us. This obedience is a test of our trust in God, as demonstrated by Noah building the ark and Abraham leaving his homeland. Obedience often involves risk, but it leads to God's blessings. When we choose to follow God's guidance, even without full understanding, we open ourselves to His divine plan and purpose. Trusting in God's wisdom over our own understanding is a key aspect of walking by faith. [12:22]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Is there a command from God that you find difficult to obey? What steps can you take to trust and follow His guidance today?
Day 3: Persistence Beyond Feelings
Our culture often emphasizes feelings, but faith calls us to act beyond our emotions. Persistence in faith is about focusing on the unseen and trusting that God will fulfill His promises. It is about enduring challenges and remaining steadfast in our commitments, whether in marriage, parenting, or ministry. Faith is not passive; it is active and requires us to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear. By persisting in faith, we demonstrate our trust in God's faithfulness and His ability to work in our lives. [26:15]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a commitment or challenge you are currently facing. How can you choose to persist in faith, even when your feelings tell you otherwise?
Day 4: Declaring God's Promises
Faith requires us to declare what we believe God will do, even if it seems foolish to others. This involves speaking words of faith and setting goals based on God's promises. Our words have power, and by speaking in faith, we align ourselves with God's will. Declaring God's promises in advance is an act of trust and confidence in His ability to fulfill them. By vocalizing our faith, we not only strengthen our own belief but also inspire those around us to trust in God's faithfulness. [37:12]
Romans 4:17 (ESV): "As it is written, 'I have made you the father of many nations'—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you need to declare over your life today? How can you speak it out in faith and trust in His fulfillment?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Limitless Power
Faith shifts our focus from our limitations to God's limitless power. It is about seeing God as capable of creating and fulfilling His promises. This perspective allows us to walk in faith, knowing that God can do the impossible. By trusting in God's capacity, we can overcome our doubts and fears, stepping out in obedience to His call. Recognizing God's power in our lives enables us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [09:05]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust in God's limitless power? How can you begin to rely on His strength rather than your own today?
Quotes
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Now you've heard the expression, "I'll believe it when I see it." Everybody heard that? "I'll believe it when I see it." Well, the opposite is actually true. I will see it when I believe it. Some things have to be believed before they can be seen. [00:03:48]
Faith is visualizing the future in the present. Faith is seeing something in advance. Faith is imagining something before it becomes reality. Now, whether you're an architect designing a building, or an artist creating some kind of new work, or an athlete competing to win some kind of prize, or a scientist trying to put people on the moon, doesn't matter what you're doing, you have to believe it's possible before it's ever going to happen. [00:04:20]
Walking by faith means obeying God when I don't understand it. Now, it's easy to obey God when you do understand it and it makes sense, but faith is obeying God when I don't understand it. It doesn't make sense. In Hebrews chapter 11, God gives us three examples: Noah, Abraham, and the children of Israel who were believing when they didn't see it and who were obeying when they didn't understand it. [00:09:22]
By faith, it was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God who warned him about something that had never happened before. Most people don't realize that before there was a flood, the Bible says that it never rained on earth. So when God says it's going to flood, Noah's gone, "What's the flood?" It had never rained on earth. [00:09:57]
Abraham was 75 years old when the adventure of faith walking began for that guy. You're never too old to start faith walking. And he didn't complain, and he didn't delay. He just packed everything up when he was getting ready for social security, guys, to get ready for social insecurity. And what took faith was that God didn't tell him any of the details. [00:11:43]
Every time God asks you to do anything, he's saying, "Are you going to believe your feelings, or are you going to believe me? Are you going to believe what I tell you, or are you going to believe what the world tells you? You're going to be my promises, or are you going to believe your fears? Who am I going to trust, God or my feelings?" [00:13:15]
Faith is being persistent. That means refusing to give up, keeping on keeping on, enduring, being diligent, being determined. Faith is keeping on keeping on, being persistent even when you're tired. Now, how do you develop that kind of persistence? Because that's what it means to walk by faith. [00:26:15]
Persistence happens when you focus on what is not seen. You can't see it today. You may look at your marriage and you don't like what you see. You may look at your health and not like what you see. You may look at your family and not like what you see, your job, your dream, whatever, and not like what you see, but you don't give up because faith is persistent even when you don't feel like it. [00:26:55]
Announcing in advance before I have it. Announcing in advance before I have you state a goal in advance. Every time you make a goal, you're basically saying, "I believe God wants us to do this by such at such a time." That's a statement. Every goal is a statement of faith. Sometimes you have to say it with your mouth before you sense it. [00:37:12]
The Bible tells us that God called the world into existence. Hebrews 11:22 says this: It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, confidently spoke—circle that—confidently spoke. You say it before you see it, before you sense it. Confidently spoke of God bringing his people out of Egypt. [00:37:52]
The Bible repeatedly makes a direct connection between your words and your faith. Are you speaking words of faith or words of fear? Are you speaking words of faith or words of failure? You're always talking out of the mouth the heart speaks. You make a direct connection between our words and our faith, between what we say and what we receive from God by faith. [00:38:44]
Sometimes speaking in faith requires you to look foolish to everybody else because you make a statement. People, there's no way that's going to happen. Like you were talking about when you were getting ready to start Echo, there's no way that's going to happen. People are telling you there will always be dream busters. There will always be naysayers. They'll always be critics in your life. [00:39:58]
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