Definition and Concept:
The phrase "faith precedes sight" encapsulates a fundamental principle in Christian theology, emphasizing the belief in and reliance on God and His promises before any physical evidence or manifestation is visible. This concept is rooted in the understanding that faith is a prerequisite for experiencing the fullness of God's work and presence in one's life.

Biblical Foundation:
The principle that faith precedes sight is deeply embedded in Scripture. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This verse underscores the essence of faith as a confident trust in the unseen realities promised by God.

Old Testament Examples:
The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated faith before seeing the fulfillment of God's promises. Abraham is a quintessential example; he obeyed God's call to leave his homeland and go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). His faith was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).

Moses, too, exemplified this principle. He led the Israelites out of Egypt, trusting in God's promise of deliverance and a land flowing with milk and honey, despite the daunting challenges and the Red Sea before them (Exodus 14:13-14).

New Testament Teachings:
In the New Testament, Jesus frequently taught about the necessity of faith. In John 20:29 , Jesus said to Thomas, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." This statement highlights the blessedness of those who trust in Christ without requiring physical proof.

The Apostle Paul also emphasized this principle in 2 Corinthians 5:7 , stating, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." This passage encourages believers to live their lives guided by faith in God's promises rather than relying solely on their physical senses or circumstances.

Theological Implications:
The concept that faith precedes sight has significant theological implications. It challenges believers to trust in God's character and His Word, even when circumstances seem contrary. This trust is not blind but is based on the historical and experiential evidence of God's faithfulness throughout Scripture and in the lives of believers.

Faith preceding sight also speaks to the nature of the Christian journey, which involves a continual reliance on God's promises and a forward-looking hope in His ultimate fulfillment of all things. It calls believers to a life of obedience and perseverance, grounded in the assurance of things hoped for.

Practical Application:
In practical terms, living by the principle that faith precedes sight means making decisions and taking actions based on trust in God's promises, even when the outcome is not immediately visible. It involves prayer, study of Scripture, and a community of faith to support and encourage one another in this journey.

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a deep and abiding faith that looks beyond present circumstances to the eternal realities promised by God. This faith is nurtured through spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, worship, and the study of God's Word, which reinforce the believer's confidence in the unseen.

Conclusion:
The principle that faith precedes sight is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, calling believers to trust in God's promises and character before seeing their fulfillment. It is a call to live by faith, grounded in the assurance of God's faithfulness and the hope of His eternal promises.