Introduction

Discover the profound meaning of walking by faith and trusting in God’s plan for your life. Drawing upon examples from the Bible, this article unravels the concept of faith, its importance in our daily lives, and its role in our spiritual growth. Embark on a journey of deepening faith and learn how to surrender to God’s divine wisdom and purpose.

Faith, in its deepest sense, represents a profound trust in God and His plans for our lives. The very essence of a life devoted to faith is an unwavering reliance on the divine will and purpose, above personal desires or circumstances (Plantinga, 2000). In the complex world we navigate, understanding how to “walk by faith,” as described in 2 Corinthians 5:7, and trust in God’s plan becomes a vital element of a fruitful Christian life. The principle of walking by faith signifies a life shaped by an intimate relationship with God, surrendering human understanding and control to His divine wisdom.

Understanding Faith and Trust in God’s Plan

Biblically, faith is a foundational element of a believer’s life, as Hebrews 11:1 ASV elucidates, “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.” Faith is a profound conviction in God’s promises, character, and plan for your life, even when physical evidence may appear contradictory (Elwell & Beitzel, 1988). Trusting God’s plan means recognizing His sovereignty and believing that His intentions for you align with His love and righteousness, irrespective of circumstances (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV).

In the Old Testament, numerous individuals demonstrated this trust in God’s plan. For instance, Abraham, asked to leave his homeland, trusted God without knowing the destination (Genesis 12:1-4 ASV). His journey was a testament to walking by faith, not by sight.

Walking by Faith in the Face of Uncertainty

Life is fraught with uncertainties, and it’s in these moments that our faith is often tested. The biblical story of Job is a profound example of enduring faith amidst overwhelming adversity. Despite his substantial losses, Job refused to curse God, acknowledging His sovereignty with the words: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21 ESV).

This narrative exemplifies that walking by faith is not a path devoid of struggles. Instead, it’s a journey of trusting God’s plan even when we cannot comprehend it (Sanders, 1991).

The Power of Faith in Guiding Life Decisions

Walking by faith has profound implications on our decisions. This principle is illustrated by the apostle Paul, who changed the course of his life following a divine revelation on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9 ESV). Despite his previous persecution of Christians, Paul’s transformative encounter with Christ led him to become one of Christianity’s most influential apostles. His life serves as a testimony of faith’s transformative power, guiding our choices towards God’s purpose.

Faith as a Journey, Not a Destination

An essential aspect to grasp is that faith is a journey and not a destination. Our spiritual growth is a process, as described in 2 Peter 3:18 ESV, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Trusting God’s plan for our lives is a continuous journey of spiritual development, mirroring the transformation described in Romans 12:2 ESV, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

The Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a vivid Old Testament example. Their 40-year sojourn, filled with trials, represented a process of spiritual growth and reliance on God’s promise (Exodus 13:17-22 ASV).

Conclusion

To walk by faith is to trust in God’s plan for your life, even amidst trials and uncertainty. It means to let God’s will guide your decisions and to believe in His goodness and wisdom. As we journey through life, may our faith deepen, our trust in God’s plan strengthen, and our relationship with Him flourish.

Sources

Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Baker encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Book House.
Plantinga, A. (2000). Warranted Christian belief. New York: Oxford University Press.
Sanders, J. O. (1991). Enjoying intimacy with God. Chicago: Moody Press.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).