We often read the Bible for peace and comfort. There are many passages that cover these topics. However, another point of Scripture is that we were created for action steps. Preparing a great foundation to project steps of purpose comes from leaning into the Bible.
We’re often frozen in time or feel we can’t accomplish something. This is a lie designed to render us ineffective regarding our purpose. We are all important and have reason to be on the Earth. Gaining faith to take action steps can be scary, but there is great reward in it.
We’ll look at some ideas about preparing for action, creating steps, and the benefits of these steps. Included in this article, are several verses that reflect a variety of points in which we’re often challenged. Reviewing this information brings a deeper understanding of the importance of taking action steps.
*All Scripture verses are taken from the New International Version (NIV).
In This Article
Understanding Your Identity
Understanding who God is, and what He wants to do for you allows freedom in your life. When we follow Him, He guides our steps and shows us the way of our journey. There are many verses which teach that God is always near and created not only the Universe, but us.
Scripture teaches that we were made in the image of God. Because He already recognized us, before we were ever born, He knows everything we need. In addition, God understands things about us that we don’t even yet realize.
Since we are in community with Him, God gives us wisdom, strength, and has made us promises. This includes our action steps. During times when we’re not sure which decisions to make, or how to maneuver our path, God is the Source of guidance. He already knows the way we think and act—and when we let Him—He’ll guide us in the correct ways. Using declarations creates even more movement in this realm.
Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Getting Prepared for Action Steps
Many people consider God an ancient being or someone from the past. However, His Word teaches us differently. While we celebrate those actions He took in the past, we realize that there are amazing feats that we haven’t yet accomplished. These are overseen by God.
Because of this, we acknowledge not only the past, but the present and future. He’s told us that the cross granted our victory. This creates power in our steps.
Ephesians 1:11 says, “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” This lets us know that we can have success and strength when we depend on God.
Staying prepared for the things we have going on—and upcoming—is challenging. But with the right guidance, we can rest in knowing that our steps are ordained. If we choose to let Him, God will prepare and guide us. We simply lean into the idea and truths, and He shows up.
According to James 4:8, we know that God will come near to use if we move near to Him.
Promises That Create Action
Along with realizing we have an identity in Christ, and leaning into preparation of our action steps, it’s important to hold on to the idea that Scripture is full of promises. We sometimes think that the Bible is old and outdated. The truth is that it pertained then, it does now, and it always will. If you choose to believe this, you will continuously have guidance, strength, and protection of your steps.
In a recent article, we addressed verses for life struggles. These can build faith, belief in His promises, and usher us to a place where we are comforted and peaceful.
Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” God is steadfast in His promises, and they don’t change. If we keep Him in our everyday journey, we will have provision; all that we need.
There are several more places in the Bible that point to the Word being true, but most importantly unchanging. When we trust it, there are great outcomes with our action steps. Although things may not always appear the way we want, it doesn’t mean that something greater is not right around the corner. Sometimes a “no” from God is for our protection. When we move in His Will, there’s always room for a “yes” when the time is right.
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Action for the Return of Jesus
“’Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll’” (Revelation 22:7). This verse at the end of the Bible tells us that Jesus is coming back to Earth one day. No one knows when, but we stay prepared by taking action steps to reach others and follow His Word.
Not only did He die on the cross, and go to Heaven, but He’s coming back. Once the day arrives, Jesus will come to take us to our Heavenly home with God.
John 14:1-2 tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”
One of the most important requests made in the Bible is to be the hands and feet of Jesus and reach those that do not yet know Him. This Great Commission, as it’s called, involves vital action steps.
While no one is perfect, we’ve all been called to lean into anyone that might not be in relationship with God. These are the ones dearest to His heart. That’s because He wants all of us in eternity together.
Scripture makes it very clear that God focuses on anyone that is far from Him. It teaches us that He draws near to anyone who is sad, depressed, lonely, or brokenhearted. His heart is that we ultimately find peace in Him and realize the love He has for us. (Check out this article about spiritual healing.) God often uses us to spread His Word and encourage others.
We aren’t expected to be perfect, but once we’re peaceful and understand our power, it’s much easier to move on behalf of others.
Scripture for Action Steps
As promised, we’re going to look at some verses for action steps. There are numerous places we’re encouraged by this in the Bible. These specific categories increase faith, help us fight well when needed, reach others, and see the benefits of action steps.
When You Want to Build Faith and Truth
John 1:12 “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Isaiah 45:19 “I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right.”
Luke 11:9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
2 Timothy 1:7 “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Ezra 10:4 “Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”
Mark 9:23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Ephesians 4:22 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.”
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
When You Need to Fight and Protect
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Ephesians 6:10-12 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
1 Chronicles 16:11 “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Psalm 34:13 “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Galatians 6:4 “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”
When You Want to Reach Others
Philippians 2:14-16 “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Luke 6:37-38 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
James 1:19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Matthew 28:19-20 “’Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Romans 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Proverbs 14:23 “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
Hebrews 13:3 “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
When You Want to Know Benefits of Action Steps
Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
James 1:25 “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
Roman 5:4 “perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Psalm 128:2 “You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”
John 13:17 “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
Final Thoughts About Bible Verses for Action Steps
Although you may often assume that your actions are meaningless or don’t amount to much, it’s important to realize just how intentionally your life was planned. When you lean into the understanding that God created you for a purpose—and have desire to walk this out—it creates revelation and wisdom. Actions are important.
It’s not easy to take action and decide when you’re on the right path. It requires perseverance and a close relationship with God to stay in His Will. Growing in kinship with Him is the best way to see what His plan is and take the action steps for your journey. This closeness can be accomplished by staying in His Word.