Faith Can Lead Feelings:
By Faith or By Sight

Scripture Reading:  Hebrews 11:1-7

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:7

We live by faith, not by sight.

In our printed key verse for today, the Apostle Paul says he walks by faith, not by sight.  A simple thing to say, a tougher walk to walk.  The Greek word for “walk” in this verse has meaning far beyond “taking a walk in the woods.”  The Greek word indicates a regulation of one’s life, to conduct one’s self.  Paul was saying that he regulated his life by his faith, not his human senses!  In other words, how he conducted his life was based on his faith, not what he could see, feel or hear in this world.

            Our feelings are God-given and are not sinful in and of themselves.  As we have studied this month, God often uses our feelings to direct our lives.  But when our feelings (wants and desires) come into conflict with biblical principles, a battle is created within us.  We knew right from wrong before coming to Christ, but lacked the Spirit’s power to choose right over wrong!  As Christ followers, we now enjoy God’s power within us and greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.  Our inner battles can, and must, end with our fleshly wants losing out to God’s Spirit nudges!

            Today’s question is: Who regulates your life?  What guides your conduct today?  Will the answer be that your feelings determine your behavior?  We must stop and remind ourselves that what we want must be questioned.   Do our feelings fit within the guidelines of the Bible?

Father, I will need your reminders today to question my feelings and your help in judging them!  Help me to always allow your Spirit to win over my feelings.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.