Are You Waiting or Are You Moving?
“I just don’t want to get ahead of God. I’m just not sure which way He is leading, so I’m just waiting.”
We’ve all heard people say these things; we may have even said them ourselves. As I walk with God, I’ve come to believe that God is generally not so concerned about whether we get ahead of Him. I think He is happy to see movement.
Now, there are times when God does have us wait, but for the most part, if we are seeking God’s heart and wanting to honor Him in our actions, we are free to act. This doesn’t mean we can be selfish or careless with our sin – there was always the condition of wanting to honor God. What it does mean is that if you are trying to do what is right in God’s eyes, He is not worried about what you will do.
The Story of Peter in the Garden
There’s the story of Peter in the garden. The guards come to arrest Jesus, and they have so much trouble keeping their feet that Jesus ends up leading them right into His own arrest. Peter, seeing their weakness, seizes the moment to attack and cuts off one of the servant’s ears.
Peter, in that moment, is moving completely outside God’s intended direction. Jesus is moving toward the cross, and Peter is trying to keep Him alive.
The point that is sticking out to me is that even though Peter was heading in the wrong direction, Jesus stops him, corrects his mistake and moves on (Luke 22:50-52).
A Father Who Loves Your Movement
Too many people become paralyzed about moving ahead of God for fear of adding years of extra pain, delaying blessings, or missing God’s best altogether. I believe this is a distorted view of our Father’s heart.
God wants to bless you. He wants you to walk in the destiny He planted in you.
Imagine if my daughter wanted to make a card for me and she pulled out pictures from my wedding album to decorate it. Should I punish her ever again for making a card? No. She may need a bit of guidance, but I would encourage her heart to keep creating something special for me.
That is how our heavenly Father sees our efforts when they come from a heart seeking Him.
God Loves You More Than You Imagine
Jesus said, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (Luke 11:13)! God is good, and He desires to give good gifts to His children.
I want you to know something… God loves you more than you can even imagine!
Even when you feel unsure, when your plans feel confusing, or when you think you may have moved the wrong way, God is still with you. He is not distant, frustrated, or disappointed. He is close, compassionate, and faithful.
His Heart Is for Your Growth, Not Your Paralysis
God’s main desire isn’t that you freeze in uncertainty; it is that you walk with Him. Whether you feel you’re stepping forward or waiting, He meets you there. The goal isn’t perfect timing; it’s a heart tuned to His presence.
So move. Step. Pray. Listen. Seek wisdom. Be teachable. God will take care of the rest.
He doesn’t condemn you when you move without full certainty. He corrects you with gentleness when needed, and He celebrates your faith when your heart is devoted to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fear of God Choosing a Different Direction Than You
Question 1: What if I move in a direction and later realize it wasn’t God’s plan?
- God is not surprised by your steps. If your heart is to honor Him, He is more than able to redirect you along the way. Scripture shows us that God corrects with love, not punishment. Like Jesus with Peter, God gently guides us when we miss the mark.
- Related Article: A Man Plans His Course – This article directly addresses the struggle between planning our steps and trusting God with our direction. It explains that God determines our steps and wants us to cooperate with Him rather than sit in fear of moving.
Question 2: Does God want me to wait until I am completely sure before acting?
- Not always. There are times when God asks us to wait, but often He invites us to move forward in faith. Trust grows as we walk with Him, not only when everything feels clear. God values a willing heart more than perfect certainty.
- Related Article: Why Can’t I Hear God Speak? – When readers are unsure about God’s direction, this article helps them understand how to listen to God’s voice and why hearing Him might feel difficult. It encourages growth in intimacy with God, not just seeking instructions.
Question 3: Can I mess up God’s plan for my life by choosing wrong?
- You cannot undo God’s purposes with an honest heart that seeks Him. God is faithful to work all things together for good for those who love Him. Even our missteps can become part of His redemptive story.
- Related Article: God Does Not Want You Passive – This addresses a common misunderstanding behind waiting on God — that waiting becomes an excuse for inaction. It reinforces that rest and action are both part of a relationship with God, not stagnation.
Question 4: How do I know the difference between waiting on God and being afraid to move?
- Waiting on God brings peace and trust. Fear brings anxiety and paralysis. If you feel stuck because you are afraid of making a mistake, it may be an invitation to trust God’s guidance more than your ability to get it right.
- Related Article: Embrace the Mystery – This article helps readers embrace God’s sovereignty and mystery, especially when His direction doesn’t make sense or isn’t immediately clear. It echoes the idea that God doesn’t always give explanations but invites faith.
Question 5: What if I am afraid of adding pain or delay by choosing wrong?
- God is not measuring your life by efficiency. He is shaping your heart through relationship. He is able to bring healing, growth, and purpose through every season. His grace is sufficient, even when your path feels unclear.
- Related Article: Fear Will Disqualify You – This post addresses fear as a limitation, not a protective force, and shows how fear can keep us from the life God promises. It helps readers see that fear of making the “wrong” choice often reflects deeper beliefs about God’s goodness or love, not God’s actual heart.
Question 6: How does prayer help when I am unsure of direction?
- Prayer aligns your heart with God’s presence. It helps you listen, surrender control, and trust His leadership. Prayer is not just about getting answers. It is about walking closely with the One who leads.
- Related Article: This Is the Confidence We Have in Approaching God – This piece teaches how to approach God in prayer with confidence and faith, which supports answers about seeking God’s direction through prayer.
Question 7: What does God care about most when I make decisions?
- God looks at your heart. When your desire is to honor Him, love others, and remain teachable, He is pleased. He is a good Father who delights in guiding His children, not testing them to see if they fail.
- Related Article: Our Confidence in Prayer – This article helps readers understand God cares most about relationship and trust, not perfection in choices. It teaches that confidence in prayer comes from knowing God’s heart.