For We Live by Faith, and Not by Sight
For We Live by Faith, and Not by Sight
WIC Service – Sunday, July 29, 2018
2 Corinthians 5:7
Song: “We’ve Come this Far by Faith”
In the first line of the song “We’ve Come This Far by Faith…” the two key words in this line are “this far”. I know that faith is important, but think of what these two words say. They say “this far” which represents the past and the present. “This far” denotes a measurement of time or achievement and it only states that something has been accomplished but has not been completed. “This far” indicates a beginning and a present state. You see, if I am standing here, and I want to get to the back of the church, and I take five steps, I would have gone “this far.”
Walking in or by faith means that I am choosing to walk towards something that has yet to be seen; realized; or available. I cannot see it being manifested yet, but I know it is coming. By faith, we have come this far and by faith we shall continue on.
The second sentence in the song says “Leaning on the Lord.” What does it mean to lean on someone? To lean on someone means you are choosing to allow them to support you – to help you carry your load.
You see, I can go to school and learn some things. I can learn math and understand that 1+1=2. I can learn this in school and use my own understanding of this equation to work out some of my money problems. But what this song is talking about in this line “Leaning on the Lord” is when we see a problem that says 1+God=Enough!
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
“Trusting in His Holy Word…” The writer states that we should trust in the Lord with all our hearts. He left no room for discussion, doubt or debate.
The next sentence makes this declaration, “He’s never failed me yet.” This declaration declares that God has never failed me. When you look back at the first line; the song writer made it personal. Before it was a community song, “We’ve come this far….” But in this line it changes from “WE” to “ME”. I like “ME.” I cannot speak for you, but I can speak for “ME!” I cannot tell you that God has never failed you, but I can surely say He has never failed me! I cannot tell your story but I can expound on the story of “ME” in great lengths. I cannot speak about what God has done for you in your faith walk, but I can tell what He’s done for “ME”.
I joined this walk with the Lord in 1980 at age 21 – working in the ministry and I never looked back! ANH began in the heart of Pastor Tony McGrew, Jr. 18 years ago from the YMCA with 8 people, to Crofton Place Apartments – Club House, to Tidwell Rd., to Hirsch Rd., to the Hampton Inn in Greenspoint, to 7109 Langley and here we are now at 10835 Maple Leaf St. “God has never failed” through each transition and continues today.
Moses was able to see the promise land, but not able to go in – so he prepared the children of Israel and told them to walk with the One who has proven Himself through the years of famine and plenty, because the word says in Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the One who goes with you. He will not fail or forsake you.”
“I Can’t Turn Around…” – We cannot quit or stop moving forward, because the road gets rough, we must keep fighting! In Timothy 4:7 it says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”
“We’ve Come This Far by Faith.” – Although we have not completed the course; we have not arrived at the finish line; we have not fought all the battles; what we have done; where we have gotten to as of this day, was only accomplished through faith. Who can we reach? Find other men, women and children and share your faith, share the word of God and the message of Salvation.
First Lady Belinda McGrew