In the world of fishing, forward-facing sonar is a game-changer. This cutting-edge technology allows anglers to see underwater obstacles, fish, and structures far ahead of their boats, providing incredible clarity and precision. But what if we had forward-facing sonar for life? The ability to see every obstacle, every blessing, and every challenge coming our way? While it sounds tempting, it might not be the blessing we think it is.
The Double-Edged Sword of Knowing the Future
Imagine knowing everything ahead of time—every heartbreak, betrayal, or loss. Would you want to face life with the certainty of the tough times ahead? For many of us, the answer might be no. God, in His wisdom, doesn't equip us with forward-facing sonar for life. Instead, He offers us something far greater: faith.
Faith allows us to trust God not just with the blessings but also with the challenges. It reminds us that we don’t need to see the whole path—we just need to trust the One who sees it all. As Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Faith: Our Spiritual Sonar
Faith is about taking life one step at a time, trusting that God is guiding us. Just like fishermen rely on sonar to navigate and locate fish, we rely on God to guide us through life's uncertainties. By faith, we trust God to order our steps, even when we can’t see the end result. As Psalm 37:23 promises, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord."
Living by faith means:
Trusting God in Uncertainty: We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we trust the One who holds tomorrow.
Releasing Control: When life feels overwhelming, faith reminds us to surrender and let God guide us.
Learning from the Past: While we draw strength from past victories, we don’t let past failures dictate our future.
Examples of Faith in Action
The Bible is full of people who lived by faith rather than sight:
Noah built an ark without fully understanding God’s plan, trusting Him to deliver his family.
Abraham stepped into the unknown, following God’s call without knowing the destination.
Enoch walked faithfully with God and was rewarded with eternal fellowship.
These examples remind us that faith isn’t about knowing every detail but trusting God through every step.
Living Faith in 2025
As we step into a new year, let’s focus on putting feet to our faith. It’s not enough to say we believe in God—we must act on that belief. Here are three steps to help you live by faith:
Set Goals by Faith: Aim for God-sized goals in your personal life, family, and ministry. Write them down, pray over them, and pursue them with intentionality.
Make a Faith Plan: A goal without a plan is just a dream. Develop a process to move toward your goals and trust God to guide your efforts.
Take Action: Faith without action is dead. Whether it’s serving in your church, giving generously, or being a witness at work, let your faith inspire tangible steps.
Faith Is Enough
While forward-facing sonar might seem like the perfect tool for navigating life, God offers us something far better. Faith frees us from the burden of knowing everything and places our trust in the One who knows it all. This year, let’s embrace the unknown with confidence, trusting God to guide us through every obstacle and blessing.
Let 2025 be the year we step boldly into the future—not because we see it clearly, but because we walk by faith, one step at a time.
