What Does It Mean To Walk By Faith?

To walk by faith means to trust God in every circumstance, even when we don’t understand what is happening. The Bible tells us that even when the path ahead of us does not appear certain or safe, we must walk by faith. It is living with a complete and absolute trust in the Lord, no matter what life throws your way.

In Hebrews 11:1, it states that, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This means that faith is our assurance in something unseen and has power beyond what we can comprehend with our physical senses. That unseen power is God Himself.

In Psalm 37:3-5, it says, “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”

From these scriptures, we learn that when we commit our way to the Lord and trust in Him, He will make a way for us. We can walk by faith every day knowing that it is not our own power or knowledge that will bring us success, but His.

How To Walk By Faith

Now let’s look at some specific ways to walk by faith in God. These are ways the Bible says we must walk by faith.

1. Walk By Faith By Believing In Jesus

First and foremost, we must believe in Jesus Christ for salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life. This is the starting point of walking by faith. In John 3:16, it states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Our salvation is only found in Jesus. He is the source of all spiritual life. In John 14:6 it says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Walking by faith by believing in Jesus is the foundation of every other aspect of our Christian walk. We must realize that we cannot even begin to walk by faith until we have trusted in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. By accepting Jesus into our hearts, we become reconciled to God and are granted salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life.

But believing in Jesus means much more than simply acknowledging Him as the Son of God. It means going deeper and making a personal commitment to live a life that reflects His teachings and values. Jesus calls us to follow Him and to surrender our lives to His will. When we walk by faith in Jesus, we acknowledge that He is the center of our lives, and that we trust Him to guide us every day.

Believing in Jesus also means that we must rely on His grace and mercy to overcome sin and to live a life that is pleasing to God. We cannot earn our salvation or our righteousness through our own efforts. Instead, we must trust in Jesus to transform us and to work in us, so that we can grow in our faith and become more like Him.

2. Walk By Faith In The Promises Of God

Walking by faith in the promises of God requires a deep-rooted trust and confidence in His word. His promises are never void or empty, but they are a truth that we can depend on. As Romans 4:20-21 attests, “He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

The promises of God are numerous and powerful, and when we put our faith in them, we are strengthened in our walk with Him. One promise that stands out is found in Jeremiah 29:11, where God declares, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

This promise reminds us that God has a plan for our lives, and it is a good plan. It is one that includes hope, and a future filled with abundance, even in the midst of trials and struggles. When we walk by faith in this promise, we are comforted and strengthened knowing that God’s plans for our lives are perfect and that He is in full control.

Walking by faith in the promises of God also requires us to have patience and endurance. In Hebrews 6:15, it states, “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” Abraham waited for years for God to fulfill His promise of a son, and in due time, Isaac was born.” When we put our faith in God’s promises, we must wait patiently with endurance, trusting that He will fulfill them in His perfect timing.

3. Trust In The Lord

We also walk by faith by trusting in the Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Trusting in the Lord means we submit every area of our lives to Him, including our plans, hopes, dreams, and fears. We acknowledge that He knows what is best for us, and we believe that He will guide and direct us in the way that we should go.

Trusting in the Lord also means that we believe He is sovereign and in control of all situations. That includes the difficult and challenging moments in life. We can find comfort in knowing that nothing can happen without His knowledge and permission. Romans 8:28 assures us that “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

When we face trials and hardships, trusting in the Lord means that we lean on His strength and not our own. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

4. Seek God’s Wisdom

One of the most important aspects of walking by faith is seeking God’s wisdom. In James 1:5, it reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

When we seek God’s wisdom in all that we do, we are relying on Him and His divine guidance. We trust that He knows what is best for us, even when it may not make sense from a human perspective. Psalm 32:8 encourages us to, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

God desires to provide us with understanding and guidance in everything we do.

Walking by faith means that we also seek His wisdom when it comes to decision making. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

God is willing to provide us with the wisdom and understanding we need when making decisions. We must trust Him and lean on His knowledge, rather than our own, in order to make wise choices that honor God.

5. Pray Often

Walking by faith also means that we pray often. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to connect with God and seek His guidance. When we pray, we come to Him in humility and trust that He will provide us with the wisdom and understanding we need.

When we pray often, it helps us focus our minds on God and His plans for our lives. It gives us a sense of peace and comfort in knowing that God is always with us, even when we do not understand what is happening.

Walking by faith also means that we seek His will for our lives, rather than our own. In Matthew 6:33 it says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

When we seek God’s will for our lives, rather than our own desires, we can have confidence that He is directing our paths. We trust that He has a plan and purpose for each one of us, even when it may seem confusing or difficult.

6. Walk By Faith And Ask For Direction From God

Finally, walking by faith means that we ask for direction from God. Psalm 25:4-5 states, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior.”

God is willing to provide us with guidance when we seek it out through prayer and Scripture. He will direct our paths when we trust in Him and His plans for us.

When we walk by faith, every step is taken in the knowledge that God is with us and that He has a plan. We have the assurance that even in difficult times, God is sovereign over all things and will provide what we need.

Walking by faith is the only way to truly live a life that honors God and brings glory to Him. We can trust in His plans for our lives, knowing that He is loving and faithful. It is through walking by faith that we will experience peace, hope, and strength no matter what circumstances come our way.