Thus The LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians
And Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore
When Israel saw the great power which The LORD had used against the Egyptians
The people feared The LORD
And they believed in The LORD and in HIS servant Moses
Exodus 14:30-31

The same Israelites who were in awe of The LORD and believed in both HIM and HIS servant Moses (Exd 14:31); sang HIS praises (Exd 15:1-19); danced before HIM with joy (Exd 15:20-21); and believed in HIS WORDS (Psa 106:12); because they saw the great power HE used against the dead Egyptians on the seashore (Exd 14:30-31). Quickly forget HIM and all HE did for them (Psa 106:13, Psa 106:19-22). This congregation in the wilderness walked by sight until the very end.

 Despite all our Beloved LORD GOD did for the Israelite wilderness congregation, and all the signs HE performed in their midst, they quickly forgot HIM, HIS WORDS, and HIS miracles. This congregation forgot to the point, they did not give HIM honor, nor continue to believe in HIM (Num 14:11). Sadly, that is still true today, of many professing Christians (and yes, I use the term “professing Christians” because our LORD tells us in Tit 1:16, there are those who profess to know HIM, but how they live, denies they belong to HIM).

As true followers of JESUS CHRIST, we have been called to live our lives, through faith in HIM (2 Cor 5:7). We should not be living our lives according to what we see, or what we believe we know; for the seen is temporal, and our understanding is limited. Instead, we should be living our lives focused on the unseen, the eternal things (2 Cor 4:18). That was a mouthful, what does it mean? It means that Christians are not guided by what we see, but we are guided by trusting in our unseen GOD and HIS eternal WORD.

When one is walking by sight, they:

• Live based upon how things appear, feel, or seem
• Rely upon their own instincts instead of GOD’s WORD
• Make decisions based on self-interest rather than GOD’s commands
• Are concerned with the present rather than the eternal
• Reject any advice that does not agree with their own logic
• Suspect the motives of others
• Will live lives unable to see when good comes, (Jer 17:6)

How does one know when they are walking by sight? If you need GOD “to show you, then you will trust HIM” you are walking by sight. A person who needs GOD to show them, before they will trust HIM, is a person who will trust HIM for the moment, and quickly return to unbelief. The Israelite wilderness congregation were such people, unable to enter into GOD’s rest (Heb 3:16-19).

How does one know when they are walking by faith? A person who has not seen HIM, but loves HIM; does not see HIM now, yet still believes in HIM; is a person walking by faith. This person is full of peace regardless of the circumstances; always grateful; filled with a joy too strong to be described or conveyed in words (1 Pet 1:8, 1 Ths 5:18, Jhn 14:27). This person has complete faith in GOD, their trust in HIM does not waver in circumstances; their mind is steadfast; and their heart stays in perfect peace (Isa 26:3). A person who walks by faith is blessed (Psa 84:12, Jer 17:7), has answered prayers (1 Chr 5:20), and is helped (Psa 28:7).  Abraham was such a man (Gen 22:1-18, Rom 4:13-22).

Is there any hope for a person who is walking by sight? Yes, if that person truly seeks to know GOD (Jer 29:13) and is willing to listen to HIS Words (Mrk 9:7-8, Jhn 6:60-68), HE will cause their faith to grow. But for those who refuse to turn from living ungodly lives, they will never come to a place of faith in JESUS, and trust in GOD.

Is there an example in the BIBLE where a person went from “walking by sight” to “walking by faith”? Yes, our Beloved LORD GOD gave us that example in Thomas Didymus. He was one of our Precious LORD JESUS CHRIST’s twelve disciples who faithfully followed our JESUS, expressing his opinion (Jhn 11:14), voicing his questions (Jhn 14:5), and stating the proof he needed that our LORD had risen (Jhn 20:25).  

And though you have not seen HIM
You love HIM
And though you do not see HIM now
But believe in HIM
You greatly rejoice with
Joy inexpressible and full of glory
Obtaining as the outcome of your faith
The salvation of your souls
1 Peter 1:8-9