Are you waiting on God, or is God waiting on you? While it’s important to pray for direction from God, we mustn’t be so afraid of failure that we do nothing at all.
Here’s a Biblical example:
“Next, Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then, coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again, the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So, instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas.” - Acts 16:6-8 (NLT).
Notice here that Paul and Silas took steps of faith, only to be redirected by the Holy Spirit. A few important things to note:
1.) The fact that they were redirected demonstrates they didn’t necessarily pray about every step.
Again, we ought to pray for direction from the Lord, but sometimes, you just have to take a step of faith and trust God. As much as we pray, we’re not always going to have the full picture. That’s where faith comes in.
2.) The Holy Spirit didn’t get angry with them for getting it wrong.
Notice that the Holy Spirit didn’t rebuke Paul and Silas; He simply redirected them. There’s this fear that many believers have that God is going to be furious with them for getting something wrong. He knows we’re fallible. He planned for our mistakes. God isn’t going to strike you down simply because you did something you believe He wanted you to do. Ground yourself in prayer and the Word. Listen for the Holy Spirit’s instructions - but then act.
3.) They saw a need and tried to fill it.
Paul and Silas saw a need, a region that needed the gospel, and they sought to fill that need. It’s as simple as that. We are to use our specific gifts to fulfill God’s general commands. Yes, God will often give us specific instructions. But while we wait for specific instructions, we should be busy fulfilling God’s broader commands.
For more on this topic, you can watch my teaching, “If you need help discerning God's voice, watch this (2025),” on YouTube by clicking here.
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