15 Bible Verses About Stepping Out in Faith
We all face times when stepping out in faith elicits uncertainty and even fear. During these times, we can anchor ourselves to God’s Word, standing on the promises of Scripture. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about stepping out in faith.
I’ll also share some practical ways to keep your eyes on God as you take the first step.
Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you follow God’s call.
Let’s begin by turning to God’s Word.
Bible Verses About Stepping Out in Faith
Here are God’s words about stepping out in faith.
15 Bible Verses About Stepping Out in Faith
1. 2 Timothy 1:7, ESV
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Do you feel fearful about taking the next step?
Fear is never from God.
I encourage you to return to the moment when you sensed God was calling you. Keep your eyes on him. When God calls us to step out, he also gives us peace.
This leads to our next verse.
2. Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Just as fear is not from God, anxiety is not from God.
Remind yourself that when God calls, he also provides. He will provide for your needs as you follow him by faith.
3. Acts 20:24
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
The Apostle Paul declared that he did not account his life of value to himself; rather, his purpose was to complete his ministry from God.
When we can cling to these words and speak them over our lives, we will find freedom and courage as well.
4. Matthew 14:29
So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
Peter exemplified what it looks like to push through fear and walk by faith. When he saw Jesus walking on the water, he climbed out of the boat and walked to him.
Sometimes, Jesus calls us to step out of the “boats” of comfort in which we are dwelling and follow him.
Like Peter, if we begin to sink, he will reach out and lift us up.
5. Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
At times, we hesitate to step out in faith because we are worried about the future.
Jesus reminds us not to worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
6. Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
When we trust God, don’t rely on our human understanding, and seek him in all we do, he guides us. At times, this means he guides us into unknown territory. We can trust that he will be with us to help us as we step into the unknown.
7. Hebrews 12:2
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
When Jesus endured hardships during his life on earth, he kept his eyes fixed on the joy set before him: the joy of knowing he would free humanity from the grip of sin and shame.
We are to follow his example, fixing our eyes on the joy of one day meeting God face-to-face and receiving his reward in heaven.
8. Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
This verse reminds us that we can endure even the most challenging times because God is with us.
More Bible Verses About Stepping Out in Faith
9. Luke 1:37
For nothing will be impossible with God.
Just as Jesus’ virgin birth to Mary was not too hard for God, nothing is too hard for him to accomplish.
We can trust this as we step out in faith.
10. Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
God’s plans for us are good and filled with hope.
We can rest in this when he calls us to step into risk.
11. 1 Peter 4:11
Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Our lives are meant to bring God glory.
At times, this involves following him into the unknown. In the meantime, he will give us the strength we need to bring honor to his name.
12. Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
God spoke these words to Joshua before he led the Hebrew people into the Promised Land.
We can claim these words over our lives as well. God is with us wherever we go. We don’t need to fear the future because God is already there.
13. Numbers 13:30
But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.”
Before they entered the Promised Land, 12 spies were sent to scout the land. All but two of the spies reported formidable giants and strong fortresses.
Joshua and Caleb gave a different report, a favorable report. They trusted that God would lead them and help them overcome those who were dwelling in the land.
When God calls us to follow him, he also makes a way.
14. 1 Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace
God has given us each gifts. We are to use these gifts to serve one another. When we fail to follow God into uncertain situations, we deny others the gifts that could help and serve them. We are poor stewards of the gifts.
15. Philippians 1:20-21
As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
The Apostle Paul wrote that to live was Christ and to die was gain. His primary concern was accomplishing God’s purpose for his life. This should be our focus as well. 
An Application of These Bible Verses About Stepping Out in Faith
It’s a dreary winter morning when I realize that the dark, cold days have worn me far too thin. As I begin brainstorming ideas about how to climb out of the rut, I have no idea that God is about to teach me a lesson that will stay with me for years, a lesson about how to step out in faith.
“Want to take Caleb to our camping spot along the river?” I ask Bekah, drawing her from screen time that’s lasted longer than good parents would permit.
There’s no hesitation. “Yes!” she shouts.
In ten minutes, we’re bundled into snow pants, parkas, and blaze orange stocking caps, barreling down the road to a place that’s become a hidden sanctuary among conifers on hot summer nights.
“I seriously can’t stop smiling,” Bekah says from the backseat. “I try not to, but my lips just keep forcing out a smile.”
She’s watching herself in the rearview mirror, little face puckered in delight.
How to Step Out in Faith Amid Raging Waters
We reach the parking area, and our journey begins with a one mile walk beneath hemlock boughs hanging low. Bekah skips and hops the whole way, and I push Caleb in a stroller suited for this kind of excursion.
A mile into our hike, we reach the open grate bridge that normally leads us safely across an amicable stream with clear water washing over sandstone. Today we find nothing friendly about the stream. The water from the great river to our right has exceeded its banks, and the normally leisurely current of the small stream is a muddy torrent of rapids. The bridge is visible, but only beneath ten inches of muddy water.
“I guess we’ll have to go back,” Bekah says, deflated.
“Let’s walk upstream and see if we can find a crossing,” I suggest, hoping to save the day.
Before You Give up
Twenty minutes later, we’ve found no crossing over the raging waters of the bursting stream, and Bekah’s smile fades as she concedes, “I guess we’ll have to go home.”
Staring at the flooded bridge, I suddenly have an idea.
“What if I take off my shoes and socks, roll up my pants, and push you both across in the stroller?” I suggest.
The kids stare at me in disbelief, eyes flickering in wonder.
“Let’s do it!” Bekah cheers, and within seconds, they’re both sitting in the stroller, clinging for dear life.
I shove my shoes and socks into the back of the stroller, roll my pants above my knees, and begin pushing the stroller (containing both kids) across the muddy water as the 30-degree snowflakes fall from heaven.
We make it across the water undeterred, and within five minutes, my feet are warm again as I push my passengers toward the big bend in the river where we’ll build the fire and roast the marshmallows.
A Practical Way to Step Out in Faith
Later that night, Bekah convinces me to print the photos from our trip so she can make a memory book. I’m surprised to discover a photo Bekah snapped while I was recovering from the return trek across the stream: a photo of me putting my shoes on.
I stare at it for a minute, and I’m taken back to one of my favorite passages of Scripture:
So when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant before the people, and when those who carried the ark came into the Jordan, and the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the days of harvest), the waters which were flowing down from above stood and rose up in one heap (Joshua 3:14-16)
As God’s chosen people were about to enter the land he had promised for their inheritance, the priests carried the most precious possession: the ark of the covenant.
The ark of the covenant was the very place where the presence of God dwelled. The priests’ commission was simple: Lead the people across the formidable Jordan River by stepping into the water. God promised to draw back the waters after the priests took the first step, and he fulfilled his promise.
God’s Provision Follows Our Faith
Sometimes we have to take off our shoes and step into the water of risk if we’re going to receive the abundance of God’s promises for our lives.
If you’ve been waiting on God to do the miracle before taking the first step of faith, you might have your perspective backward. God often waits for us to take the first step in faith before revealing signs of his provision.
The priests trusted this principle.
When Risk Makes It Scary to Step Out in Faith
I wasn’t thinking about the Jordan River or the priests when I pushed my kids across the numbing water in my bare feet, but a similar principle applied. We enjoyed the rewards of reaching our destination because we were willing to take a risk.
How often I miss the reward of obedience because I’m afraid of risk.
How often do we miss God’s best because we’re unwilling to take off our shoes and step into the cold water?
If you’ve reached the flooded creek bed today, there are two choices: Roll up your pants and cross, or turn back and call it quits. This might be the day to roll up your pants and take the first step.
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As the parent of two sons and a daughter, I have a heart for helping parents develop deeper relationships with their children and with God. Our kids, ages 6, 11, and 15, share this vision. They have helped me write three family devotionals for parents or older relatives to read with the children and teens they love. You can find all three books here or read more below.
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