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.

Empowering Believers Through Meaningful Christian Apparel and Accessories Affirm The Word Literary is more than just a store; it’s a community of like-minded believers who share a passion for spreading the message of God’s love and grace. Through a carefully curated selection of books, apparel, and accessories, you’ll find tools that empower you to live out your faith with confidence and purpose. In a world where the demands of daily life can sometimes overshadow your spiritual growth, it’s essential to keep your faith at the forefront. That’s where Affirm The Word Literarycomes in—a shop dedicated to providing inspirational products that help you deepen your relationship with God. Discover the Power of Prayer Journals There’s a reason why prayer journals are the heart of Affirm The Word Literary. These beautifully designed journals serve as a sacred space for you to pour out your heart to the Lord and stay consistent in your faith walk. Whether you’re a seasoned prayer warrior or just starting to develop a steady prayer life, these journals provide a structured yet flexible way to engage in this essential spiritual discipline. The beauty of these prayer journals is in their ability to help you focus and organize your thoughts during prayer. Each page offers prompts and sections to guide you through different aspects of prayer, such as thanksgiving, intercession, and personal reflection. By writing down your prayers, you’ll find that your communication with God becomes more intentional and meaningful. Wear Your Faith with Pride Prayer, Bible study, and private worship are just some of the ways you can cultivate your faith—but your faith doesn’t have to stay behind closed doors. That’s why, in 2022, Affirm The Word Literary began offering a stunning array of Christian apparel and accessories. From t-shirts and hoodies to mugs and bracelets with inspirational messages, these designs allow you to share your faith boldly wherever you go. What makes this apparel unique is how it blends faith-based messages with modern, stylish designs. Instead of a traditional “churchy” look, you’ll find bold, eye-catching graphics that reflect the essence of the Christian life. Whether you’re running errands, attending a church event, or simply going about your day, you can wear your faith with pride and inspire others along the way. Join a Community of Believers Affirm The Word Literary is more than just a shop—it’s a community of believers committed to supporting one another on their spiritual journeys. Through social media platforms and online forums, you’ll find a space to connect with others, share your testimony, and encourage fellow believers. One of the most powerful aspects of this community is the impact of real stories. As customers share how Affirm The Word Literary has influenced their spiritual walk—whether through a powerful prayer journal entry or a piece of apparel that sparked a faith-filled conversation—you’ll be reminded that you’re not alone in your journey. Live Out Your Faith Boldly At the core of Affirm The Word Literary is the desire to empower you to live out your faith with boldness and authenticity. By providing high-quality, meaningful products that speak to the heart of the Christian experience, Affirm The Word Literary equips you with tools to grow in your relationship with God and share His love with the world. So whether you’re looking to deepen your prayer life, express your faith through your wardrobe, or connect with a community of like-minded believers, Affirm The Word Literary is here for you. 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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

This post covers the benefits of using a prayer journal and how being consistent brings lasting change.