Live Life Affirmed Blog

Hebrews 11:6 Reveals More Than You Think "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." — Hebrews 11:6 At first glance, Hebrews 11:6 seems straightforward. Most believers would quickly say, "Of course I believe God exists." But if we're honest, this verse reveals far more than whether we acknowledge God's existence. It exposes where our trust truly resides. Because when people genuinely believe in something, it becomes their authority. It becomes the source they consult, depend on, and ultimately obey. For example, many people trust science because conclusions are drawn after extensive testing and observation. Others trust experience—their own or someone else's—to determine what is possible, safe, or likely to happen. Neither science nor experience are inherently bad. They can be useful tools. The problem arises when they become our ultimate authority instead of God. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to a higher standard: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." — Proverbs 3:5-6 Yet many of us have never truly surrendered our lives, our plans, and our will to God. We acknowledge Him as Savior, but have we made Him Lord? There is a difference. Why Is Faith Necessary to Please God? One of the primary reasons people rely on experience, statistics, popular opinion, or conventional wisdom is fear. Fear of failure. Fear of loss. Fear of rejection. Fear of looking foolish. Fear of making the wrong decision. Sometimes fears we've identified. Sometimes fears we haven't. Yet throughout Scripture, God repeatedly tells His people, "Fear not." Depending on the translation and wording, variations of "fear not," "do not fear," and similar commands appear hundreds of times throughout the Bible. Why? Because fear competes directly with faith. Fear causes us to seek safety apart from God. Fear causes us to trust ourselves more than Him. Fear causes us to ask, "What if this doesn't work?" Faith asks, "What did God say?" If fear prevents us from consulting God or following His guidance after we have consulted Him, then we are ultimately following ourselves. And if we are following ourselves, we are not following God. The Danger of Trusting Everyone Except God Let me put it another way. If we are following our own guidance, statistics, science, social media experts, cultural trends, or the consensus of the majority, then we are not necessarily following God. Many people make decisions based on what most women are doing. What most men are doing. What most Christians are doing. What most successful people are doing. But God's path has never been determined by majority vote. Noah built an ark while everyone else mocked him. Abraham left everything familiar without knowing where he was going. Peter stepped out of a perfectly good boat. The disciples left careers, businesses, and reputations behind to follow Christ. The pattern throughout Scripture is clear: God's leading often contradicts conventional wisdom. That is why faith is required. Religious Activity Is Not the Same as Surrender Many believers would rather attend church five times a week, serve sacrificially in ministry, volunteer endlessly, and give generously before they actually surrender control of their lives. We can become very comfortable performing religious activities while resisting God's direction. Yet God continually invites us to seek Him. To ask. To listen. To wait. To obey. Sometimes His instructions come through opportunities. Sometimes through circumstances. Sometimes through wise counsel. Sometimes through the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit leading us toward something unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Yet unmistakably God. Faith is not merely hearing God. Faith is hearing Him and responding. The Daily Battle Between Comfort and Obedience Jesus gave us a powerful blueprint for living by faith: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me." — Luke 9:23 Notice the word daily. Surrender is not a one-time event. It is a daily decision. Every day presents opportunities to choose comfort or obedience. Every day presents opportunities to trust ourselves or trust God. Every day presents opportunities to follow our fears or follow His voice. The Christian life is not simply believing the right things. It is continually surrendering our will to God's will. When God's Instructions Don't Make Sense One of the greatest tests of faith occurs when God's guidance conflicts with our understanding. What do we do when obedience feels risky? What do we do when God leads us somewhere unfamiliar? What do we do when the outcome is unclear? Many believers assume that uncertainty means God isn't speaking. But often uncertainty is precisely where faith begins. Faith requires movement before there is proof. Faith requires obedience before there is evidence. Faith requires trust before there are guarantees. This is what Paul meant when he said God's strength is made perfect in weakness. Our weakness is exposed when we no longer have all the answers. When we no longer have complete control. When we can no longer rely solely on our own understanding. And yet we move forward anyway because God said so. What Does Walking in Alignment with Hebrews 11:6 Look Like? If we truly believe God exists, then our lives should reflect that belief. We should seek His guidance before making decisions. We should consult Him before consulting everyone else. We should value His opinion above popular opinion. We should obey even when obedience feels uncomfortable. Faith is not passive agreement. Faith is active trust. It is believing that God not only exists but that He is good, trustworthy, involved, and worthy of our obedience. Three Practical Ways to Start Today 1. Ask God Before Making Decisions Before making a major decision, pause. Pray first. Seek God's wisdom before seeking confirmation from everyone else. Make consulting God your first response rather than your last resort. 2. Identify Areas Where Fear Is Leading You Ask yourself: "What am I avoiding because I'm afraid?" "What has God been prompting me to do that I've delayed because it feels uncomfortable?" Often the area where fear is strongest is the very area where God wants to strengthen your faith. 3. Take One Step of Obedience Faith grows through action. Not perfection. Not certainty. Action. Identify one thing God has already shown you and take the next step. Send the email. Apply for the position. Start the business. Have the conversation. Forgive the person. Join the ministry. Write the book. Whatever God has placed before you, take the next faithful step. The Real Question The question is not whether you believe God exists. The question is whether you trust Him enough to follow Him. Because faith is more than agreement. Faith is allegiance. Faith is surrender. Faith is obedience. And according to Hebrews 11:6, faith is the very thing that pleases God. So perhaps the better question is not, "Do you believe in God?" Perhaps the real question is: When God speaks, do you believe Him enough to obey? A Prayer for Surrender and Faith Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me enough to lead me. Forgive me for the times I have trusted my own understanding more than Your wisdom. Forgive me for the moments when fear, past experiences, other people's opinions, or my own desires have become a greater authority in my life than Your Word. Today, I choose to surrender my will to You. Help me to trust You with all my heart and to lean not on my own understanding. Give me the courage to follow Your guidance even when it is uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or uncertain. Lord, reveal any areas of my life where fear has taken the place of faith. Strengthen me to obey You when obedience requires sacrifice. Teach me to seek You first, listen carefully, and respond quickly when You speak. Help me to remember that You are faithful, that Your plans for me are good, and that Your wisdom far exceeds my own. May my life reflect genuine faith—not merely believing that You exist, but trusting You enough to follow wherever You lead. Today I lay down my agenda, my fears, my doubts, and my need for control. I choose to take up my cross and follow You. In Jesus' name,Amen. J. MARIE JONES is an author and former media professional who is passionate about sharing her faith journey as a mother, teacher, and daughter called by God. She has a heart for believers seeking to be transformed through the practice of internalizing God’s Word and engaging in the daily discipline of affirming it in their lives. J. Marie is a mom to a wildly talented girl who is bursting with life and comedic energy. As founder of Affirm The Word Literary, she is committed to producing exceptional spiritual books and journals that help Believers grow in their walk with God and live out the highest expression of their true self.

How to Start Prayer Journaling: A Beginner's Guide to deepening your faith, focusing your heart, and turning everyday moments into meaningful conversations with God

In a world filled with distractions, negativity, and uncertainty, staying rooted in faith requires intentionality. One of the most powerful ways to strengthen your faith and keep your focus on God is through daily Bible affirmations. These are faith-filled declarations based on Scripture that remind you of God’s promises and help you align your thoughts with His truth. Why Are Bible Affirmations Powerful? The words we speak hold immense power. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” What we declare over our lives can either build us up in faith or leave us vulnerable to doubt and fear. When we intentionally speak God’s Word over our lives, we invite His power and presence into our daily experiences. Bible affirmations are not about wishful thinking or self-help mantras; they are rooted in divine truth. When you declare God’s promises, you reinforce your identity in Christ, strengthen your trust in His plans, and cultivate a mindset that aligns with His will. How Speaking God’s Promises Strengthens Your Faith Affirmations Renew Your MindRomans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Declaring biblical truths replaces negative or doubtful thoughts with faith-filled perspectives. When you remind yourself daily that you are loved, chosen, and victorious in Christ, you begin to internalize these truths and live accordingly. They Combat Fear and DoubtLife’s challenges often bring fear and uncertainty. However, when you affirm God’s faithfulness and protection—such as declaring Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”—you shift your focus from fear to faith. Affirmations Build Confidence in God’s PlanJeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan for our future. When you affirm, “God has a purpose for my life, and He will guide me,” you strengthen your trust in His divine direction, even when circumstances seem unclear. They Help You Walk in Spiritual AuthorityEphesians 6:10 says, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Declaring affirmations like “I am strong in the Lord, and His power sustains me” reminds you that you are equipped with spiritual authority to overcome trials. Sample Daily Bible Affirmations Here are a few affirmations based on Scripture to help you start your day with faith and confidence: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14) “God is for me, so who can be against me?” (Romans 8:31) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1) “I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.” (Romans 8:37) “God’s plans for me are good, and He will direct my steps.” (Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:5-6) Making Daily Affirmations a Habit To experience the full power of daily Bible affirmations, consistency is key. Here are a few ways to integrate them into your routine: Say them out loud each morning to set the tone for your day. Write them down in a journal or sticky notes where you can see them. Meditate on them during prayer and devotional time. Personalize them by incorporating your name or specific situations. Final Thoughts Speaking daily Bible affirmations is a simple yet transformative practice that keeps your faith strong and your heart aligned with God’s truth. When you declare His promises over your life, you invite His peace, strength, and guidance into every moment. Start today—choose a few affirmations, declare them boldly, and watch how God moves in your faith journey! Visit our store J. MARIE JONES is an author and former media professional who is passionate about sharing her faith journey as a mother, teacher, and daughter called by God. She has a heart for believers seeking to be transformed through the practice of internalizing God’s Word and engaging in the daily discipline of affirming it in their lives. J. Marie is a mom to a wildly talented girl who is bursting with life and comedic energy. As founder of Affirm The Word Literary, she is committed to producing exceptional spiritual books and journals that help Believers grow in their walk with God and live out the highest expression of their true self.