“Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].” Hebrews 11:1, Amplified Bible, Classic Edition. Faith is not moved by what the five physical senses perceive – by what it sees, feels, hears, smells, or tastes.

        Take Abraham as an example. “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. (Romans 4:20-21 NIV). The passage of time, the “evidence” of his and his wife’s age, or the barrenness of her womb, did not move him from the promise of God that he would have a son. “When there was nothing left to hope for, Abraham still hoped and believed. As a result, he became a father of many nations, as he had been told: “That is how many descendants you will have.” (Romans 4:18 NOG).  

        For “the path we walk is charted by faith, not by what we see with our eyes.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 VOICE). Walking by faith is walking by TOTAL confidence in the integrity of the Word of God. It is like flying an airplane by instruments when the outside visibility is zero. I recently read that a pilot’s inner ear can be affected in such a way that all kinds of directional feelings can present themselves and be contrary to what is actually happening. He has to trust his instruments no matter what he feels or thinks.

        In the same way, the believer must trust God’s Word so completely that physical evidence contrary to the Word doesn’t count, even when it is overwhelming.

         Satan operates in the sense realm. “The devil led him (Jesus) up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.  And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.  If you worship me, it will all be yours.” (Luke 4:5-7 NIV).

        When Adam and Eve made Satan their lord in the Garden of Eden, the worldly realm became Satan’s. How did Jesus respond to Satan’s temptation? “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” (Luke 4:8 NIV). He responded with the Word of God. God’s Word is the only power that overcomes anything the devil can throw at us. Jesus backed down Satan’s temptations with three powerful words, “It is written.”

​        We can do the same. The power and truth of God’s Word changes natural facts. The next time Satan gives you a sucker punch, hit him with the Word of God. Walking by faith and not by sight brings victory every time.

            We all have difficult things to deal with – a frustrating relationship, a toxic boss, an unexpected bill, or a bad report from the doctor. The question is, how do we deal with these situations when they arise? Exodus 14:14 AMPC says when you “…hold your peace and remain at rest” that “the Lord will fight for you.”
           
           God has called us to reign in life. “If one man’s sin brought a reign of death--that’s Adam’s legacy—how much more will those who receive grace in abundance and the free gift of redeeming justice reign in life by means of one other man—Jesus the Anointed.” Romans 5:17 VOICE. Because God has given us an abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness, He expects us to reign in life through His precious Son, Jesus. When we react, rather than rest, we are not reigning in life.
           
           In any situation we face, we always have a choice. We can make the decision each day to let faith rule our thoughts, attitudes, and the things we say, or react negatively to the circumstances around us. Recently, I read about a pastor who received a great victory from the Lord in providing the funds to purchase a building in which to worship. All the parishioners celebrated. But the next day, the pastor received a telephone call that a large company had filed a federal lawsuit to keep the congregation from moving into the building.
           
            The pastor’s wife overheard the telephone conversation. She turned to her husband and asked him, “What are you going to do?" Right then, he had a choice to make. He could let fear, worry, anger, disappointment, or negative thinking steal his joy. But instead, he chose to rest and let God fight the battle. Today, his church meets every week in that building.
           
             When difficulties arise, are you going to let negative thoughts, attitudes, or emotions wedge themselves down into your spirit? Or are you going to choose to rest and let God fight the battle for you? It’s up to you.