notesbynora

There are times in life when we can’t see what’s ahead — when every step feels uncertain and the road stretches into mystery. Faith doesn’t wait for perfect clarity; it moves forward, trusting that God’s light will appear along the way.

In 2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul writes, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” It’s a gentle reminder that God often calls us to move before we understand, to trust before we see, and to step forward even when our hearts tremble.

I remember when I was adopting my daughter, Hart, from Russia in 1997, just after communism fell. We were entering a new region called Kashira, halfway between Ukraine and Moscow. She was the very first child ever adopted out of that region. No one could tell me what to expect — there were no maps for this journey, no clear path to follow. All I had was faith.

The process was long, filled with uncertainty and unfamiliar customs, but in every moment, I could feel God whispering, “Keep walking.” When the paperwork stalled, He said, “Trust Me.” When the waiting felt endless, He said, “I’m already ahead of you.”

And He was. Every form signed, every door opened, every mile traveled brought me closer to the child who would one day call me “Mom.” Hart is one of my most precious gifts — a reminder that faith isn’t passive. It’s a verb. It walks first, believing that God’s promises are already in motion even when we can’t yet see their shape.

When we let faith walk first, we discover that God is already on the road — preparing the way, aligning the details, softening hearts, and orchestrating miracles that only hindsight reveals.

Maybe today you’re facing something uncertain — a new direction, a risk, or a road you’ve never traveled. Don’t wait for all the answers. Take the first step. Trust that the same God who went before me to Kashira, Russia, goes before you now.

Prayer

Lord, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. When the path feels unclear, remind me that You are already there — paving the way, guiding my steps, and carrying me when I cannot see the outcome. Teach me to trust You first, follow You fully, and rest in the knowledge that Your plans are always good. Amen.