Walk by Faith

On January 8th, I preached from 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (listen here: https://sunburycitychurch.com/podcasts/sermons/2023-01-08-2-corinthians-5-1-10)  with the theme, walking by faith, not sight. Believing 2023 is a year we need to rest in this reality of trusting God no matter what we see has since proven true. Many of us wake up in the morning and hear the news of yet another tragedy that leaves us confused and a bit hopeless. For others of us, the tragedy strikes closer to home. We feel intense pain, anguish, and sorrow over the decisions of others that scar us, and are left with more questions than answers. Even in my life, 2023 has been more challenging than expected, with many questions, yet I am reminded to walk by faith, not sight. So how do we move forward? Our series in Ecclesiastes reveals the path forward is paved by trusting God when we can’t see. But how do we trust God? This trust comes in three ways: first, resting in Jesus Christ, who invites and commands us to go to him if we are weary and tired and take his yoke and his burden, for they are light and easy (Matt 11:28-30). Second, we remind and command ourselves to run to Christ. The Psalmist commands in 42:11, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” Hear the command to hope in God! Third, we need the community of believers to encourage us. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” We must remember that not everyone will like it when we walk by faith and trust God. Some will mock you, others will speak ill will, and others will try to guilt you into following their path. But we must seek God and his path, no matter the difficulty. Our goal must be to follow God no matter the fallout. He is our hope and our reward. As the song Christ is Mine Forevermore so wonderfully states: Come rejoice now, O my soul, For His love is my reward, Fear is gone, and hope is sure, Christ is mine forevermore. His love is your reward. Walk by faith, brother, and sister!