Genuine Faith Real Life: Living Out Your Faith Every Day

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22

Have you ever wondered why you feel stuck or why you’re unable to see real change in your everyday life? Well, you’re not alone. I remember when I first became a Christian, and I didn’t fully understand how I was going to go from heathen to heaven. I didn’t know much about church or religion, so I honestly didn’t know how change would truly come into my life. And as life went on and I began to learn more about Jesus, I discovered that my relationship with God is more about following Jesus and being in relationship with God. I began to learn more about what genuine faith is.

What Does It Mean to Truly Live by Faith?

Faith is more than a set of religious rules and a belief system; it’s a lifestyle. We see from Matthew 7:21-28 that it’s more than just doing things to keep busy and look religious. Living by faith involves more than just knowing about God. “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe.” (James 2:19). Living by faith consists of living by the Spirit, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and being transformed into the image of Jesus while we are here on the earth. The Holy Spirit does the work. He helps us to know and carry out God’s purpose and plans for our lives.

Navigating daily responsibilities, including caring for our families, work, spiritual growth, and living out our faith, can feel overwhelming. But God doesn’t call us to perfection; no, He calls us to walk with Him, trust Him, and act on His Word.

The book of James reminds us that true faith is proven through action. James 1:22-25 encourages us to be doers of the Word, not just listeners. James 2:18-26 clearly states that faith without works is dead. God wants us to know His will, understand His purpose, and walk each day in His plan, empowered by the Holy Spirit and rooted in Christ.

It’s in the small, deliberate steps of faith that we find profound impact. Living boldly through faith means choosing to trust God’s Word, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. It’s about believing in His promises, embracing His strength when we feel weak, and letting His truth guide our decisions.

Faith is active and intentional; it’s demonstrated in the courage to pursue what is right in the face of adversity, to let go of what we deem fair, and to allow God to work in our lives through the Holy Spirit.

Be Doers of the Word, Not Hearers Only

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:22-25)

James compares those who hear the Word but don’t act on it to someone looking at their face in a mirror and walking away, forgetting what they look like. Faith calls us to more than just fleeting moments or feelings of inspiration; it calls us to transformation.

When we internalize Scripture and respond with obedience, we then become living reflections of Christ. Whether it’s forgiving someone, extending kindness, or walking away from fear, the Word comes alive in us through action.

Faith Without Works is Dead (James 2:18-26)

James shows us that faith isn’t proven by words but by works. “I will show you my faith by my works.” Abraham demonstrated his faith through obedience. Rahab showed hers by risking her life to protect God’s people.

Today, we demonstrate our faith by praying when things seem impossible, by raising our children in the truth, by showing love even when it’s hard, and by trusting God in uncertain times. Our faith moves us to serve, speak life, and stand firm.

Understanding God’s Will, Purpose, and Plan

God’s will is not a mystery hidden from us; it’s revealed through His Word and Spirit. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by renewing our minds so we can discern His will. When we know God’s will, we can act on it and walk it out in our daily lives.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust and acknowledge Him, and He will direct our paths.

God’s will often unfolds in ways we don’t immediately understand, but faith calls us to trust His heart even when the path is unclear. By surrendering our plans and desires, we create space for God to work through us, shaping our lives into testimonies of His love and grace. Trusting in His sovereignty means embracing a perspective where challenges can be seen as opportunities for us to grow in character and learn greater dependence on Him.

In seeking His purpose, we also learn to listen, which is not always an easy task. However, that is the part of putting our faith into action by pausing during the busyness of life and asking God for His guidance. Prayer becomes our reflector, a way to see Jesus alive in us and in our hearts. And with the help of the Holy Spirit, we’re able to discern when and how we can serve others, honor His will, and fulfill the unique calling He has placed on each of our lives.

When we lean into knowing God’s will and understanding His purpose, we gain clarity. We begin to realize that every season has significance and every step is part of a greater story. God’s plan is good, and by His grace and the help of the Holy Spirit, we’re able to walk in it with confidence.

Abiding in Christ Daily

Jesus said in John 15:4-5, “Abide in Me and I in you…apart from Me, you can do nothing.” We are called to abide in Jesus as branches are to a vine. It’s non-negotiable; the branch cannot function at full capacity without being connected to the vine. Abiding means remaining in Jesus, staying close, staying connected, and dependent on Him and His finished work on the cross.

We abide in Jesus by reading His Word, believing His Word, spending time in prayer, serving others in His name, and listening for His voice. In abiding, we find peace, direction, and spiritual fruitfulness. We don’t strive to earn His love; we live from the place of already being loved.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit to Show Up

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)

The Holy Spirit is our helper. He helps us to live beyond our strength and capacity. When we’re tired, confused, conflicted, discouraged, or unsure, the Spirit comforts, convicts, and leads us into all truth.

The fruit we bear through abiding in Jesus and Him in us is the fruit we see from the work of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These aren’t produced by our effort but by our abiding.

Showing Up for Yourself, Your Family, and Others

Living by faith involves taking care of your entire self: body, mind, and spirit. Showing up for ourselves begins with intentionality. It’s the decision to live out our faith in tangible ways, to be present where we are needed most, and to do it wholeheartedly. And I know from experience that doesn’t mean being perfect or living by a checklist, but rather being consistent.

It means growing and producing fruit in our own spiritual, emotional, and physical health so we can be equipped to pour into others, especially in our homes with our families. This daily act of faith is not about perfection but about progress and consistency, trusting that God completes the work He begins in us (Philippians 1:6). And He does it even when the audience or platform seems small. “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

The work we do now is not about obeying the law of the letter but about obeying the law of liberty, which is faith.

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 2:16)

Our work of faith is to believe and show our belief by the fruit we produce in our daily lives.

We do this when we show up for our families with small acts of love, a listening ear, a thoughtful prayer, an apology when needed, a heart to forgive, or a shared moment of joy. And showing up for our community as the hands and feet of Christ, helping where we can in need with compassion and courage.

Trusting God in the Journey

In trusting God, we are called to trust in His timing, even when the path is unclear. Walking in faith doesn’t mean we won’t face trials or struggles, but it does mean that we lean on God’s promises when challenges arise. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us not to fear, for God is with us, strengthening and upholding us with His righteous hand.

Trusting God requires us to believe even when we cannot see the full completion of His plan. We willingly trust Him to carry out His good plans for our lives. It’s a daily choice to believe that His plans are greater (Jeremiah 29:11), even when we can’t yet see the whole picture. When we trust God with our own lives, we inspire others to do the same, creating ripples of hope and faithfulness that extend to our families, friendships, and beyond.

When women walk in faith led by the Spirit, families are nurtured, communities are transformed, and God is glorified.

Reflection & Encouragement

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” ( Galatians 2:20)

Take a moment to reflect:

• Where is God calling me to act on my faith?
• How can I abide more deeply in Christ each day?
• What is the Holy Spirit prompting me to do in this season?