From Bible Study to Bold Steps

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Why Living God’s Word Changes Everything

I used to believe that growing spiritually meant doing more. More Bible studies. More service. More Christian books stacked on my nightstand. And yet, even with all the doing, I felt…empty.

My days were full of “good” things—raising kids, writing books, leading Bible studies—but deep inside, something was missing. I kept thinking, I’m doing everything right, so why do I feel so off?

It wasn’t until I sat quietly with God and whispered a desperate prayer—Isn’t there more to the Christian life than this?—that I began to see the truth.

What is that truth? It’s not about doing more for God—it’s about walking with Him.

When Good Things Leave You Empty

For so long, I believed that more Christian activity would lead to deeper purpose. But instead of fulfillment, I ended up exhausted. It’s easy to feel like we’re following Jesus when we surround ourselves with spiritual input. Podcasts, devotionals, worship playlists… and still, our hearts can be dry as dust. Why? Because knowing the Word is not the same as living it.

“It’s not about knowing the Word; it’s about living it today.”
— Walk It Out

We may be checking all the spiritual boxes, but still miss what’s breaking God’s heart.

Real Change Begins with Obedience

Sometimes we don’t need another book or study. We need to pause, ask God what He wants us to do, and then take a small step in that direction.

For me, that step looked like opening our home to children in need. It looked like surrendering my picture-perfect idea of family. It looked like letting go of control and choosing connection—even in the chaos.

The Christian life isn’t about finding comfort. It’s about following Christ. It wasn’t easy. But I was never alone.

“When we step out in obedience, we never walk alone.”
— Walk It Out

Fulfillment Isn’t Found in a Plan—It’s Found in a Person

We often say we want to discover our purpose—but God doesn’t usually hand us a map.

Instead, He gives us His Word, His Spirit, and the invitation to follow Him one step at a time.

“Purpose, I’ve discovered, isn’t something we need to figure out ahead of time. Instead, it is something we often recognize in hindsight, as we follow Jesus one step at a time.” — Walk It Out

And that’s exactly what I’ve found to be true:

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.”
 — Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)

I no longer chase after “spiritual success.” I ask God to break my heart for what breaks His—and then I listen. Sometimes, He nudges me toward something small, like sending a note of encouragement. Other times, He invites me into something much bigger than I feel capable of doing. But I trust that if He calls me to it, He’ll walk with me through it.

A Question for You

Are you doing all the right things—but still feel like you’re missing Him?

Friend, maybe today is your invitation to stop striving and start stepping. Ask God, “What is one way I can walk out Your Word today?” Then do that.

Not because it’ll impress anyone. Not because you’ll finally “feel spiritual.” But because Jesus is already there, waiting for you in the doing of His Word.

God’s purpose isn’t something you chase. It’s something you walk out—one obedient step at a time.

Walk-It-Out Challenge

1. Read James 1:22 – “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
   
2. Ask God: “Where do You want me to obey?”
   
3. Take one bold step this week to live out what you’ve learned.
   

You’re not alone on this journey, friend. And I’m cheering you on—one step of obedience at a time.

Need more inspiration? Check out: Walk It Out by Tricia Goyer

Additional Resources

Journal Through the Bible in 2025

Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible but found yourself giving up? Or even worse, you read the chapters and at the end question how they apply to your life. Tricia Goyer understands. For years she felt frustrated that she couldn’t stick to her commitment to read God’s Word all the way through. Things changed when she found a doable plan and wrote out a daily prayer. Tricia’s heart changed. Her life did, too.

God can bring real transformation into your heart and life when you daily commit to reading your Bible and praying through God’s Word. Praying through the Bible in One Year offers a guided reading plan and a daily prayer starter to help you make God’s Word applicable to your life. Discover the inspiration for real-life transformation.

Purchase a copy of Praying Through the Bible in One Year HERE.