Walk by Faith, Not by Sight

Defying Doubt and Daring to Trust God’s Plan

Genesis 13:1–18

“He went to Bethel…where his tent had formerly been, to the site where he had built the altar. And Abram called on the name of the LORD there.” (v. 3).

I once believed I understood God’s calling for my life. After graduating from seminary with a Master of Theological Studies, I felt sure God was guiding me toward leadership in the 1,000-member church where I served. I quickly climbed the leadership ladder, and when the executive pastor retired, I stepped into the role. I oversaw the church’s operations while the senior pastor preached. I felt I was exactly where God wanted me to be. Then I faced a hard decision: should I keep quiet, set aside my theological convictions, and go with the flow for the greater good? Or should I voice my concern about a sermon suggesting that Jesus had a beginning? I chose the latter.

In a matter of a week, my decision to stand firm and reject a distorted Christology cost me everything. It cost me the ministry job I loved, my church family, my friends, and my ministry. It was hard to understand why this was happening at a time when I was certain I was following the path God laid out for me. The hurt, disappointment, and sorrow were immense.

In Genesis 13, Abram and Lot present a tale of two choices—one rooted in faith, the other in sight. Lot was enticed by the lush plains, choosing what seemed good at the moment (v. 10). But his choice led him away from God’s blessing. Lot first settled in the plains (v. 12a), then near Sodom (v. 12b), until he eventually lived in Sodom (14:12) and was found sitting at its gates (19:1). Lot walked by sight. Abram, on the other hand, returned to Bethel, meaning “house of God,” where he built an altar and called on the name of the Lord. My pastor calls this the “altar of God’s grace”—a place of restoration, revelation, and remembrance of God’s goodness. Abram walked by faith. 

Deeper Dive

The Bible offers many examples of those who trusted God in the face of adversity, relying on his goodness and wisdom.  

Joseph Trusted God When Confronted with a New Normal

Joseph’s story is a powerful example of trusting God in the face of relentless hardship. He was betrayed by his own family and sold into slavery by his brothers. Later, he faced false accusations that led to unjust imprisonment. Even those who benefited from his help quickly forgot about him when it was convenient. Yet, despite these waves of difficulty, Joseph continued to trust in God’s goodness. He recognized that God’s hand was at work, even in his suffering, and eventually saw how God was orchestrating events for a greater purpose. 

Job Relied on God’s Goodness in the Midst of Suffering 

Job’s pain takes us on a journey through the mysterious and unsearchable ways of God. It raises the timeless question, "Why do good people suffer?" and cries out, "Why, God?" Job was a righteous man, yet he endured the loss of his material possessions, the death of his children, the loss of his health, the condemnation of his friends, the cold disdain of his wife, and the deafening silence of God. Have you ever been there? Job experienced all of this in one day.

His story illustrates that, even in the darkest depths of pain—when you can’t hear, see, or feel God—he is still there. When you are stretched to your limit, he is there. When your soul feels like an empty tomb of desolation, he is there. When you receive no answer for your pain, he is still there. Trusting in God’s goodness is an exercise of faith—sometimes it is a test of faith. Each time, it is an invitation to trust in the mysterious, divine grace of an ever-present God. 

A Deepening Faith 

Are you experiencing a dark night of the soul? Are you desperate for the pain and uncertainty to end? Are you in a season of waiting, wondering why? When tragedy unexpectedly strikes, how do you react? Are you trusting God with your pain, grief, uncertainty, and disappointment? Or are you blaming him for the trials in your life?

The day I lost my ministry, I had no choice but to trust God—and it turned out to be exactly where I needed to be. Had it not been for God’s goodness sustaining me as I tried to walk by faith, I would never have experienced such a deepening of my faith. When I don’t understand why things happen the way they do, I’ve learned to trust him. In return, I’ve experienced a supernatural peace and what I now call a “divine pivot”—a redirection into a new area of Christian service I would have completely missed had I compromised my convictions for convenience.

As Christians, how we respond to adversity matters. It reflects our level of reliance on God, revealing how much we’ve surrendered to him. It also discloses what we know of his character—whether we truly believe that he will do what he said he will do. Like Joseph and Job, we are called to walk by faith when the way is hard. In both of their stories, it may seem as though God is distant, unaware of their suffering, but nothing could be further from the truth. As the stories unfold, we see God’s sovereignty over every event. Joseph realized this when he told his brothers, “God intended it for good, to save lives” (Gen. 50:20).

God’s goodness shines through even in the darkest moments, revealing purpose in pain. Job’s story also demonstrates God’s faithfulness and ultimate restoration. In the end, both Joseph and Job’s experiences led them to a deeper faith born from the crucible of suffering. 

Next Steps 

Whatever you’re feeling—grief, pain, anxiety, disappointment, or confusion—give it to God. Don’t hold onto it. Don’t try to fix it yourself. Surrender it to him. Focus your energy on laying it down and relinquishing control to God. When you pray, ask him for the endurance to keep going, the strength to place your future in his hands, and for him to deepen your faith. Ask him to birth a new path that leads to joyful service, helping others see the light. 

Heavenly Father, in times of uncertainty, pain, and loss, help me to trust you fully, even when I don’t understand your ways. Just as Joseph and Job relied on your goodness through their trials, teach me to walk by faith and not by sight. Strengthen my heart to stand firm in my convictions, even when it costs me dearly. Lord, I surrender my grief, anxiety, and disappointment to you, asking for your peace that surpasses understanding. Deepen my faith and guide me onto a new path of joyful service, where my life can be a light to others. I trust that you are sovereign and good, working all things for your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Reflection Questions

Read: Genesis 13:1–18.

1. How have you responded to adversity in your life, and what did it reveal about your level of trust in God?

2. In what areas of your life might you be holding onto control instead of fully surrendering to God?

3. Can you identify a time when standing firm in your convictions led to unexpected challenges or loss? How did God guide you through it?

4. How might God be calling you to deepen your faith and step into a new path of service that reflects his light to others?