Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:17 NKJV
When we first come to faith, everything can feel new and exciting. We’re filled with awe at God’s love and grace. We may be caught up in joy, peace, and a sense of freedom. Some also feel deep love and connection with God and other believers. It’s an exciting time! But when we “come down” to living our everyday reality, we’re faced with this question: “How do I live out my faith? How does faith become a part of my normal, everyday life?”
This week’s focus is all about putting faith into action, not as a box to tick, but as a way of life. Whether you’re a brand-new believer or have walked with Christ for a while, learning to live out your faith in the ordinary and sometimes messy moments of life. This is one of the most important and powerful parts of discipleship.
So, let’s take a look at what that means and how we can begin walking our faith in everyday life.
What Does Living Your Faith Look Like?
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesian 2:8-9 NKJV
Living out your faith means allowing your relationship with Jesus to shape every aspect of your life. This includes all aspects of your life, from your thoughts and speech to your interactions with others and your responses to life’s challenges.
It’s not about performing or pretending to be perfect. Being perfect in this life is impossible. And as Ephesians 2:8-9 says, we’re not able to earn God’s grace through works. His grace is a free gift to us. But once we’ve received salvation through Christ, our faith begins to bear fruit. This fruit becomes the outward testimony of our salvation.
Living out your faith means being authentic and intentional. It means reflecting God’s love in a world that often feels cold, rushed, and broken.
What does this look like?
- Choosing honesty when lying would be easier.
- Forgiving when your feelings scream, “They don’t deserve it.”
- Encouraging a friend instead of gossiping.
- Serving with a joyful heart instead of expecting something in return.
- Trusting God in uncertainty, even when fear looms large.
In short, living out your faith every day is faith in motion.
Faith is Meant to Be Seen
James didn’t mince words when he said that faith without deeds is dead. He wasn’t suggesting that we can earn salvation—we can’t. But true, living faith always bears fruit.
Jesus echoed this when He called us to be the “salt & light ” and “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16). Salt preserves goodness and adds flavor; light brings warmth and reveals truth. Your life can do the same, pointing others to Jesus without needing to say a word.
That’s what our lives are meant to do: preserve what’s good, shine in the darkness, and point people toward Christ.
You may not be called to a pulpit or platform, but you are called to be a light wherever you are. That means being a light at home, at work, in line at the shop, in your conversations, and decisions.
Let your faith be visible, not to show off, but to show our Lord lives in you.
Start Where You Are
You don’t have to change careers, join a ministry team, or move across the world to start living out your faith. Instead, start where you are:
- Speak kindly to the person who tests your patience.
- Pray for a friend who’s hurting and let them know you’re praying.
- Offer to help someone without being asked.
- Choose quiet integrity when nobody’s watching.
God often works in the small things. Remember the mustard seed? (Matthew 13:31-32). It doesn’t take a grand act to begin cultivating a life that points to Jesus.
Trust God in the Daily Mess
Let’s be honest: life is messy. Trusting God when things are calm is one thing but trusting Him when everything feels upside down is another.
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not rely on our own understanding. That’s not easy. But when we do, He promises to direct our paths.
Living out your faith means surrendering your need to control everything. It means choosing to believe that God is still good, even when the answer to prayer hasn’t come. Or when circumstances seem to contradict His promises.
Trusting God in your everyday life isn’t weakness; it’s strength. It’s choosing to rest in the One who never fails.
Forgive as You’ve Been Forgiven
Forgiveness might be one of the hardest ways we live our faith, but it’s one of the most powerful.
Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to forgive others as Christ forgave us. That doesn’t mean excusing what’s wrong or pretending nothing has happened. It means releasing bitterness, trusting God with justice, and choosing freedom over resentment and bitterness.
When we forgive, we’re not only obeying God; we’re breaking chains. Forgiveness is one of the clearest ways we reflect Jesus, and one of the most healing things we can ever do.
Who do you need to forgive today?
Serve with Joy
We live in a world that often says, “Look out for yourself.” But Jesus flipped that mindset entirely: “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43).
Serving others doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. And serving others doesn’t mean neglecting your own needs. It could be making a meal for a tired friend, helping an elderly neighbor, volunteering at church, or simply offering a listening ear.
The key is your heart: serve with joy. When we serve cheerfully, we show the world a glimpse of God’s kingdom, where love rules, and people are valued.
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple act done in love.
Share Your Story
You have a story. Even if you don’t feel like it’s dramatic or exciting, your story matters. That’s because it’s part of God’s story.
Revelation 12:11 NKJV says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony...” Your testimony has power. Someone might need to hear what God has done in your life. How He met you in brokenness, how He changed your heart, and how He walks with you now.
Don’t be afraid to speak up. You never know what seeds your story might plant in someone else’s heart.
Start simple. Share how you came to faith. Talk about what Jesus means to you. Ask questions, listen, and let God do the rest.
Live with Hope
Finally, living out your faith means living with hope.
Hope is not wishful thinking; it’s confident expectation in God’s faithfulness. Romans 15:13 NKJV says that God fills us with joy and peace as we trust Him. It also says we can overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
When the world feels heavy, your hope stands out:
- Hope shines in a hospital waiting room.
- Hope speaks life into anxiety and fear.
- Hope endures in the face of grief and loss.
- Hope believes that God still redeems, restores, and renews.
- Let your hope be rooted not in circumstances, but in Christ.
Everyday Faith is the Most Powerful Kind
Here’s the beautiful truth: living out your faith in everyday life is one of the most powerful ways you can honor God and impact others.
It’s not always glamorous. It won’t always get applause or notice. But it’s the daily, faithful decisions, the quiet obedience, the unseen kindness, the persistent hope, that build a strong and beautiful life of faith.
God is with you in it all. He sees your effort, your struggle, and your yes. And He delights in every step you take to walk with Him.
Put Faith into Practice
Here are some simple challenges to help you take this week’s message deeper:
- Pick one person to serve this week. Offer practical help, encouragement, or prayer.
- Journal about your faith story. What has God done in your life that you could share with someone else?
- Memorize Matthew 5:14-16. Let it remind you that you’re called to shine.
Living your faith doesn’t mean you have to be perfect—just present. Available. Willing. The world needs light. And by God’s grace, you can be that light, right where you are.
- Three downloadable PDF files: the 7-day devotionals, the workbook, and the study guide
- 7-day devotional guide on living your faith
- Guided reflection questions & application prompts
- Daily scripture readings
- And more
Sherry
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for stopping by! If you want to leave a comment or a question, please keep it nice and clean! I'll get back to you ASAP! Thanks!