soul journey 
by Kay Mulcahy
Faith is not meant to remain shallow or comfortable. It is meant to deepen, stretch, and mature as we walk with God through both calm seasons and uncertain ones. Scripture reminds us, “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Yet in practice, this can be one of the hardest lessons to live out. Our natural instinct is to trust what we can measure, predict, or control. God, however, invites us into a deeper way of living—one that leans not on visible outcomes, but on His unchanging character.
True faith does not demand a miracle before it believes. It believes first, and then it sees. Hebrews tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is not denial of reality; it is confidence in God’s authority over reality. It rests in the truth that He is already at work, even when circumstances offer no visible proof. When our trust is rooted in who God is rather than what we observe, peace becomes possible even before answers arrive.
There are moments when life unfolds in ways we never planned or expected. Doors close. Timelines shift. Prayers seem unanswered. In these seasons, faith gently reminds us that although things may not be going according to our plan, they are still unfolding according to God’s. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Faith allows us to rest in that promise, trusting that God’s perspective is wider than our own.
When the road ahead is unclear, faith does not rush forward blindly—it listens. God promises, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). We are invited to seek His voice, to ask not merely for outcomes we desire, but for what aligns with His perfect will. Jesus Himself modeled this prayer: “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). As His direction becomes clear, obedience becomes our act of trust, and gratitude becomes our daily language.
Here are some practical steps to help cultivate faith that relies more on God than on what is seen, and to grow in prayerful listening:
- Begin each day by surrendering your plans to God: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act” (Psalm 37:5).
- Spend quiet time in Scripture, allowing God’s Word to shape your thinking before circumstances do (Romans 10:17).
- Pray specifically, but hold outcomes loosely, asking that God’s will be done above your own desires (1 John 5:14).
- Practice stillness after prayer. Do not rush away—listen (Psalm 46:10).
- Write down what you sense God placing on your heart and test it against Scripture.
- Obey promptly when His guidance becomes clear, even if the next step feels small or uncertain.
- Thank Him daily, not only for answers, but for His presence and faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
As faith deepens, something remarkable happens: our dependence shifts. We no longer require constant reassurance from circumstances. We begin to trust God’s heart even when we cannot trace His hand. Like Abraham, who “did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God” (Romans 4:20), we learn that faith is strengthened not by perfect clarity, but by consistent trust.
Final Thought: Faith that rests in God is never wasted. It anchors the soul when the path is uncertain and steadies the heart when outcomes remain unseen. As you continue walking forward, remember that God does not call you to understand everything—only to trust Him. And in that trust, you will discover that His plan is always wiser, His timing always purposeful, and His grace always sufficient.
