WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT

The good Lord chose to bring my sisters only child, Reid (24), into His presence May 17th. It was totally unexpected and a shock to everyone who knew him. The sadness brought on by this void in our lives will only be softened by time, the knowledge that God is in control, and that Reid is in the presence the Lord today and forever.

Reid grew up in a Christian home and in his teen years made the decision to live in rebellion instead of obedience to the Lord. I believe we can all relate to this in our own lives and the only reason I bring Reid to these pages is because of the lesson God reminded me of through this experience. It is a truth that Reid took to heart immediately after he started living his life to glorify our Lord Jesus just a few short months before his passing. When he made this decision, Reid made a necklace out of a chain and dog-tag that was inscribed with “FAITH 2 Corinthians 5:7” on one side and “Walk By faith, Not By Sight 2 Corinthians 5:7” on the other. As I understand it, he never took this necklace off.

I remember when I made the decision to come out of rebellion after 20 plus years of living for myself. I was “on fire” for the Lord, full of excitement, and compassion to talk to others about how God had touched me and opened my eyes to the freedom I experienced through His forgiveness. Now years later, that raging bon-fire has seemed to dwindle down to more of a warm, coal fed glow.

Reid experienced a physical disability in his early teen years that definitely could be described as “in your face”. His struggle to try and be “normal” like everyone else forced him to look deep with-in himself. He became very relational, filled with compassion for others who had similar physical struggles. This compassion for others like him then almost naturally moved towards wanting to help those who were struggling in other areas of their lives, which God used in a big way as Reid recently responded to the Lords wooing.

Reid’s profession of faith by wearing this statement around his neck said in effect; “I do not walk (make my decisions in life) by what others say or what I feel or what I experience, I walk (make my decisions in life) by what God says (what scripture directs).” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17.

The lesson I have learned comes through the example Reid extended to others with an ear that was ready to listen anytime with anyone about anything. Pastor Brad experienced the same conviction that I now experience when his brother died a short time ago. Brad said he needed to work on “time investments to build relationships”. He stated; “With shame, I must admit, that Clay was far better at doing this than I have ever been.” Well, with shame, I also admit that Reid was much better at “walking by faith” in this arena than I am.

Walking by faith is about as natural to us as walking with a blind-fold tied around our head. We naturally want to do life our way, the way we see it! But the more steps we take, (the more we are in the Word), the more confident we become. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25 The more we are in the Word, the more confident we can be in the destination of our walk and the easier it will be to share our hope with others. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 And isn’t that what faith is all about? Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 The assurance of things hoped for!

How about you? Are you walking by faith? Vertical focus—Not horizontal!