Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH
“So, we are always of good courage…for we walk by faith and not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:6,7
As you walk by faith, you’re going to experience tension.
What do I mean by ‘tension’?
Tension, by its very nature, implies a pulling or stretching force. It’s the space in the middle of two opposing realities. And faith requires us to walk between two realities: the promises of God and the struggles of life.
Perhaps it’s helpful to picture an acrobat gingerly walking across a tightrope suspended over a mountainous cavern. (I can’t think of a situation any more tense than that!)
Walking by faith can feel like we’re in the middle of a highwire. We cling tightly to the balancing pole of God’s Word, holding onto His promises, while the winds of stress, heartache, and pain threaten to knock us off balance. Step by step, we keep walking, praying that we’ll safely reach the other side.
If you’re currently feeling the tension of walking the ‘tightrope of faith,’ you’re not alone.
For example, here are three tensions that I regularly feel:
• The Tension Between What I See & What I Believe
A few sentences before today’s key verse, Paul encourages us to “Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Can I be honest? What I see in the “here and now” often feels ten times more real than any unseen, eternal realities.
Nevertheless, I press on…
• The Tension Between My Physical Body & My Resurrected Body
The longer we live and walk by faith, the more our bodies will break down. Paul, who made tents to help support his ministry, describes his earthly body as a “tent” (2 Corinthians 5:1). He longs for the day when he’ll exchange his “tent” of a body for a glorious, resurrected body. I understand how he feels. My “tent” is increasingly growing tired, tattered, and worn down.
There are days when this is very discouraging…
• The Tension Between My Earthly Home & My Heavenly Home
This world is not my home. I’m merely a traveler who’s passing through. However, the further I travel on the road of faith, the more I feel out of rhythm with the ways of the world. On one hand, this is how it’s supposed to be. Jesus tells us that we are to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:6,11). At the same time, being on a never-ending journey can wear on you.
I increasingly feel homesick for heaven…
Which one of these tensions do you relate to the most? Why?
Here’s the thing. On this side of heaven, these tensions (and others) will not completely go away. Tension is just a normal part of our Christian journey. But I’m learning that tension isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Tension is an opportunity to trust.
And get this: The more tension we feel, the greater the opportunity we have to trust God.
Might I ask, how is God asking you to trust Him in the tension?
As you seek to trust God, pay attention to your attitude.
Notice that Paul said, “…we are always of good courage” (2 Corinthians 5:6), meaning that he didn’t allow the tension to discourage him. He stayed positive, maintaining his confidence in God, and didn’t walk around pouting or grumbling about his circumstances. (This is very convicting, especially when we remember all the tension and difficulties Paul endured.)
So, stay of good cheer, my friend. Don’t give up.
I know at times the tension is almost overwhelming, but keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Because there is coming a day when you will finally reach the other end of the tightrope.
Stepping into Glory, your faith, as the old hymn says, “will be as sight.”
Jesus will wipe the tears from your eyes, and the tension of your earthly journey will be a long, lost, forgotten memory.
“The only opportunity you will ever have to live by faith is in the circumstances you are provided this very day: this house you live in, this family you find yourself in, this job you have been given…” Eugene Peterson
DIG DEEPER
Read: “3 Ways to Trust God More” by Michael Kelley
