From Planning to Action

“So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.” – Nehemiah 2:9

Talk is cheap. How many times have we spoken passionately about something we want to do for God, planned it out, prayed about it, and then left it right there? Nehemiah could have easily stayed in Persia, prayed for Jerusalem, and encouraged others to go rebuild the walls. But that’s not what he did. Instead, Nehemiah travelled the 800 miles from Persia to Jerusalem. He didn’t just pray and plan; he put his faith into action.

God is in the doing. While prayer and planning are vital, they are not the final steps. Too often, we confuse planning with progress. We meet in groups, discuss ways to reach the lost, and even strategize outreach methods. But the real difference happens when we go out and do what we’ve been talking about. The Bible tells us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Nehemiah understood that principle—he didn’t just talk about rebuilding the walls; he went and did it.

Our spiritual enemies don’t mind if all we do is talk. They’re not intimidated by our discussions or even our prayers if we never move to action. It’s when we start walking in obedience, doing the things God has called us to do, that the enemy takes notice. When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem with the king’s letters, opposition immediately arose. Why? Because now the work was about to begin. Nehemiah wasn’t just a man of words—he was a man of action.

We must become “doing” Christians. God has already placed dreams, visions, and plans in our hearts. He has equipped us with His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. What remains is for us to step out in faith and act. Don’t let fear, procrastination, or doubt keep you from what God has called you to do. Like Nehemiah, it’s time to move from talking to doing.

PRAYER