Courage and Faith: Walking by What We Do Not See
I want to begin with a quick word: due to vacation and scheduling, we’re a few weeks behind on the blog. Over the coming days, I’ll be posting more frequently as we catch up together. Thank you for your patience. And keep watching for fresh reflections as we continue moving through the Word of God.
Courage Joined With Faith
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:6–9 (ESV):
“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.”
Notice how Paul joins courage and faith together. The walk of faith is always a walk of courage.
Here in the body, amid pressures, battles, and dangers, we are continually presented with the opportunity to display courage by walking in faith. Paul says we are “at home in the body,” yet even there, we are present with the Lord. That’s the truth we cling to.
The Necessity of Faith
Faith is not optional for the believer, it is necessary. Without it, Scripture reminds us, it is impossible to please God.
But faith is not blind optimism or wishful thinking. Faith is born of revelation. When God speaks, His Word stirs faith in our hearts. And that faith inspires courage in the middle of adversity, delay, discouragement, and trial.
Faith says: “God is with me. God is for me. I will not be shaken.”
The Power of Courage
Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the willingness to trust God in spite of fear. Courage rises when faith has been anchored in God’s character.
Paul calls this the “fight of faith.” It is a battle not to give in to despair or discouragement, but to hold tightly to what God has promised.
Faith and Courage in Daily Life
Everyday life gives us chances to practice this. The delays you didn’t expect, the diagnosis you didn’t want, the discouragement that tempts you to quit are all are places where courage must rise out of faith.
Walking by faith means trusting God when we cannot see. Walking with courage means stepping forward when everything inside wants to shrink back.
This is why Paul says, “So we are always of good courage…for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
The Aim of It All
Whether at home in the body or at home with the Lord, Paul says our aim is the same: to please Him.
Faith and courage are not about self-improvement or personal achievement. They are about aligning our lives with His pleasure and about living surrendered, trusting, and steady in Him.
And that, in the end, is the greatest victory of faith.
Closing Prayers
Courage Joined With Faith
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:6–9 (ESV):
“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.”
Notice how Paul joins courage and faith together. The walk of faith is always a walk of courage.
Here in the body, amid pressures, battles, and dangers, we are continually presented with the opportunity to display courage by walking in faith. Paul says we are “at home in the body,” yet even there, we are present with the Lord. That’s the truth we cling to.
The Necessity of Faith
Faith is not optional for the believer, it is necessary. Without it, Scripture reminds us, it is impossible to please God.
But faith is not blind optimism or wishful thinking. Faith is born of revelation. When God speaks, His Word stirs faith in our hearts. And that faith inspires courage in the middle of adversity, delay, discouragement, and trial.
Faith says: “God is with me. God is for me. I will not be shaken.”
The Power of Courage
Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the willingness to trust God in spite of fear. Courage rises when faith has been anchored in God’s character.
- Faith in God produces courage.
- Courage keeps us steady in pressure.
- Together, they enable us to overcome.
Paul calls this the “fight of faith.” It is a battle not to give in to despair or discouragement, but to hold tightly to what God has promised.
Faith and Courage in Daily Life
Everyday life gives us chances to practice this. The delays you didn’t expect, the diagnosis you didn’t want, the discouragement that tempts you to quit are all are places where courage must rise out of faith.
Walking by faith means trusting God when we cannot see. Walking with courage means stepping forward when everything inside wants to shrink back.
This is why Paul says, “So we are always of good courage…for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
The Aim of It All
Whether at home in the body or at home with the Lord, Paul says our aim is the same: to please Him.
Faith and courage are not about self-improvement or personal achievement. They are about aligning our lives with His pleasure and about living surrendered, trusting, and steady in Him.
And that, in the end, is the greatest victory of faith.
Closing Prayers
- Prayer for Faith: Lord, increase my faith today. Help me trust what You have spoken more than what I see. Teach me to walk by faith and not by sight.
- Prayer for Courage: Father, give me courage in the face of pressure, adversity, and discouragement. Let my heart be steady in You, and may my life be a testimony of trust in Your strength.
- Prayer for Alignment: Holy Spirit, shape my desires so that my one aim is to please You—whether in this body or in Your presence. May my faith and courage bring You glory.
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3 Comments
Dear Pastor Ryan, ty for this message today. My health has been severely challenged for many years. I am believing God for complete healing thus side of heaven. I believe there is work for me to do still and you have encouraged me today? Barb Coopet
I choose to trust in the Lord with all my heart and not to my own understanding and and all my ways to acknowledge him and I know he will direct my path
Where did David get his Faith & Courage? When I was ministering to the 4 & 5 year old, we came to the David & Goliath account. After reading it many times and asking the Lord what He wanted to give the kids from this, I finally noticed David ran to the battle line. I asked the Lord why David wasn't scared. He answered immediately saying, "David spent so much time with Me, shepherding the sheep that he saw Goliath through My eyes." So, I asked "How did you see Goliath?" He answered, "The same way you see a mosquito!" When it tries to land on the back of your hand, you smack it! Today we have even greater access to spending time with Him, so let's do it together!