Take Action: Beating Procrastination through Scripture

“I will do it tomorrow.”

“There is no way I can do that right now.”

“I just don’t feel that motivated. I can’t do it.”

Any of these statements sound familiar? Who do you know always says things like this? Or is that someone you? I get it! Sometimes you don’t feel up to par. You just don’t feel like crossing out that to-do list. Or you feel unmotivated to start or complete some of your goals. It happens. We all know the feeling of putting things off for another day. Maybe even another week or two. Months?

But what if this is the story of your life? You are always putting things off. You start something and never finish it. Or you never start at all. Fear takes hold and you are unable to move your feet in the direction that you want to go.

At its core, procrastination often stems from fear, lack of motivation, or even an underlying desire for perfectionism.

Proverbs 21:25 tells us, “The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.” This verse serves as a stark reminder that inaction can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. Having the desire to succeed is not nearly enough. You have to work for it.

Let’s go over some Biblical principles we can apply to break free from procrastination. These are timeless truths that are relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.

Recognize the Call to Action


God has a purpose for each of us, and He calls us to act. In James 1:22, we are reminded, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Recognizing that we are called to be doers of the Word is the first step in overcoming procrastination. When we understand that our actions align with God’s will, we can no longer afford to sit idly by. We must open our hearts and minds to His guidance and be ready to respond. Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” This highlights the necessity of action in alignment with God’s will.

What is it that God is calling you to do that you have been ignoring? What have you been dragging your feet and procrastinating about? A job? Making the leap into entrepreneurship? Going back to school? Answering the call to preach the Gospel? Moving to another city? God is waiting on you to move your feet!

 Overcome Fear and Doubt

Fear and doubt often paralyze us from taking action. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we read, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” When we allow fear to dictate our decisions, we hinder our ability to move forward. We must remember that God equips us with everything we need to fulfill His purpose. Let us cast aside our fears and trust in His strength as we step out in faith.

God is faithful to the ones who are faithful to him. He promises to help us all of our days. We have to trust God in the process.


Pray for faith, motivation, and strength. Before you start your day or a task, ask God for His strength and focus. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Ask God to help you prioritize, focus, and be diligent in your work. When you are focused on the task at hand, fear and doubt will go out the door. You will see yourself doing the thing you said you couldn’t do!

Scriptures That Will Keep You Moving Forward

Proverbs 21:5 says, ” The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

In other words, success doesn’t come by accident—it comes through careful planning, hard work, and patience.

In a world that often glorifies quick wins and overnight success, we are encouraged to slow down. We should think strategically and stay committed. Rushing into things without preparation can lead to mistakes, setbacks, or even failure. But when we take the time to plan and work steadily toward our goals, we position ourselves for long-term growth and lasting rewards. Haste promises speed, but the results are usually subpar.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Life has different seasons, patterns, and waves. And what we do during these times sets up every second of our lives. What are you doing in this season? Doing your research? Writing your business plan? Touring different colleges? Getting your credit together to buy a house?

Praying, fasting, and waiting on God’s voice to speak on your next step?

Accepting God’s timing and having faith in whatever season you are in prepares you for the next journey. Being active in those seasons of the waves prepares you for smooth sailing.

Proverbs 6: 6-8 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and winter.

It’s easy to look to others for inspiration, encouragement, or a push to get started. And while support systems are valuable, the most sustainable form of motivation comes from within. The ant in this Bible scripture doesn’t have a supervisor telling it what to do. No one is micro-managing the ant to store up food. It is standing on business on it’s own.

Every time you push yourself to take action—especially when you don’t feel like it—you prove to yourself that you’re capable. That builds real, lasting confidence that no one else can give you.

God knows what He has in store for you. That should be enough to get you out of the rut of procrastination and stagnation. Know that God’s purpose in your life will prepare you for each new day. It will bring you closer to His will for you!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that challenges us today. Help us to recognize the call You have placed on our lives and give us the courage to overcome our fears. Teach us to take those small steps of obedience as we move forward in faith. May we not be paralyzed by procrastination but instead be energized by Your Spirit to act according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Janice

Leave a comment