Walk By Faith

“Walk by faith, and not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• This wisdom from the Apostle Paul invites us to place all our faith in God — with us, within us, and all around us — despite every outer appearance to the contrary. It reminds us that life can be uncertain, that we cannot possibly know where every path will lead.
• “Sight” means not only what we literally see with our eyes, but how we view what is before us: what we do and don’t like, what does and doesn’t work, and everything in between.
• Being faithful means believing in things we can envision and imagine within us, then taking the necessary steps to cultivate them in the outer world.
• Walking by faith means that we are God-guided — intuitive, courageous, and assured — even when we don’t know all eventual outcomes.
• Faith always works as we direct it, and we decide how to direct ours. For example, our mindset can be “Ain’t it awful!” or “We got this!” and that mindset will determine where our faith will lead us.
• How we choose to think and behave is our walk, the journey which is our lives. And we are out of integrity when we affirm particular outcomes, such as abundant health or sound finances, without being willing to make alterations, like quitting smoking or establishing a budget.
• Master New Thought Metaphysician and Unity Co-Founder Myrtle Fillmore explains the benefit of placing our faith in God: “As we realize that we are God’s children, that we have power and authority to think and to speak the good and true, and to have it manifest in harmonious relations and pleasant surroundings . . . we place ourselves in God’s keeping and think Truth, and it directs us in ways of peace and pleasantness.”

Contemplation Questions:

Ask yourself:

• Being as specific as possible, what do I dislike seeing in my life now?
  • Freely list, word map, or illustrate everything which applies. Breathe deeply as you do and, if it feels comfortable, literally say aloud something like, “Bleh,” “Yucky, “Crummy,” “Be gone with you,” so you can get it out of your system.

• Being as specific as possible, what do I like seeing in my life now?
  • Freely list, word map, or illustrate everything which applies. Breathe deeply as you do and, if it feels comfortable, literally say something like, “Yes, please,” “So grateful,” “Love it,” “More of this,” so you fully recognize what you appreciate.

• As I contemplate my dislikes and likes, how have I focused more on the outer appearance than my faith in God and my own God Guidance?
  • List, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.

• As I contemplate my likes and dislikes, in what ways have I misdirected my faith?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all the ways which apply.

• As I contemplate my dislikes and likes, how have I remained faithful, despite difficulties or challenges?
  • List, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.

• What are at least three (3) ways that I can deepen my connection with God so I truly feel that I am walking by faith?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as many ways as you can.

• What are at least three (3) ways that I am ready to claim power and authority over my thoughts and behaviors so I can transform my life?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as many ways as you can.

• Who are at least two (2) people who can encourage me as I walk by faith, especially when I need reassurance?
  • Name those people.
  • Note how you are willing to stay connected with them.

• Who are at least two (2) people I can encourage as they walk by faith, especially when they need reassurance?
  • Name those people.
  • Note how you are willing to stay connected with them.

Work with this devotional anytime you are ready to take another step forward in faith.  As you do, affirm: “I am a divine, beloved child of God.  As I walk by faith, I embrace the power and authority to transform my life.”

Also, remember that sometimes we dislike parts of our transformation, like the irritability or hunger pangs we feel when we stop smoking or the extra energy required to track our spending.  In those times, we set our “sights” on God, so our faith remains strong, wherever our journey leads.

© 2021 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.