Walking in Faith, In the Dark

Daily R.E.A.P. Report for 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)
Walking Forward When You Can’t See the Whole Road

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“for we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)

Second Corinthians is Paul’s deeply personal letter to a church he loved yet struggled with. Written after seasons of hardship and misunderstanding, Paul defends his ministry and comforts believers with the hope of the new covenant. In chapter 5, he contrasts our temporary “earthly tent” with the eternal home God promises, urging believers to live courageously, aiming to please the Lord as we await the judgment seat of Christ. This verse sits in the flow of that hope: in a world of uncertainty, believers live by trusting God’s promises, not by what is immediately visible. It matters because everyday life is full of unknowns—faith keeps you moving with confidence in God’s character and eternal plan.

Examine

Faith is a way of life, not a momentary feeling. To “walk by faith” means to make daily choices anchored in God’s promises, even when circumstances are unclear or painful. Sight measures reality by the senses; faith measures reality by God’s truth. This verse calls us to a steady, courageous journey rooted in who God is and where He is taking us.

Connection to Jesus: Jesus modeled this perfectly—He trusted the Father’s will in the wilderness, in His ministry, and supremely at the cross (John 5:19; Luke 22:42). He looked beyond present suffering to the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). In Christ, God’s promises are “Yes” and “Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Following Jesus means learning to trust the Father as He did, empowered by the Spirit, until faith becomes sight when we are with Him.

Main Themes:
- Trust: Confidence in God’s character when outcomes are unclear.
- Eternal Perspective: This life is a tent; our true home and reward are with the Lord.
- Courageous Obedience: Moving forward based on God’s Word, not circumstances.

Key Word Study:
- Walk (Greek: peripateō): To conduct one’s life, a habitual pattern. Faith is a daily path, not an occasional leap.
- Sight (Greek: eidos): What is seen, appearance. Paul contrasts visible appearances with deeper, unseen realities defined by God.

Apply

Reflective Questions:
- Where am I relying on “what I see” (circumstances, feelings, others’ opinions) more than on what God has said?
- What one promise of God do I need to hold today as my compass?
- What step of obedience is God inviting me to take even before I know the outcome?

Real-Life Application:
- Anchor to a Promise: Choose one Scripture to carry today (e.g., Proverbs 3:5–6; Isaiah 41:10). Put it on your phone lock screen and pray it morning, noon, and evening.
- Take the Next Faith Step: Identify one obedient action—make a call, set a boundary, apply for the job, apologize, give generously—even if you can’t see the full path.
- Limit Sight-Noise: Reduce one input that fuels fear (doom-scrolling, anxious conversations). Replace it with 10 minutes of Scripture and quiet prayer.

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You as faithful, unchanging, and true to Your promises. I confess that I often lean on what I can see and control, and I let fear guide my choices. Forgive me. By Your Spirit, teach me to walk by faith—to trust Your Word, obey promptly, and rest in Your love. Strengthen my steps today. Open my eyes to unseen realities, and make my life a witness that Your promises hold. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Closing Reflection: Picture yourself on a mountain trail at dawn. The path ahead is misty, but your lamp lights the next few steps. God’s Word is that lamp; His presence is your steady hand. Keep moving—one faithful step at a time—until the mist lifts and faith becomes sight.

Call to Action: Take one concrete step of obedience you’ve been delaying. Name it, do it, and thank God for walking with you. He delights in every step you take by faith.