Should I Make a Move or Wait on God? Here's How You Can Know...

Do you ever worry that you’ll miss you on the things that you want by waiting on God? -I have. There have been times when it felt like God was taking too long or had forgotten about me altogether. In those moments, I was tempted to act. I called it “helping God out”. The truth is God doesn’t need our help. If we want to experience His promises, we simply need to be obedient to His Word and instructions.

God desires to have a personal relationship with you and be involved in every area of your lives. He cares about everything you care about, and desires to lead you into the right career, friendships, school, relationship, neighborhood...everything! He has a plan for your life that He wants you to know about. It’s our relationship with Him - the daily seeking and surrender - that gives us the direction and wisdom we need. The following is a word God spoke to the people of Israel in one of their darkest times. His heart is the same for you:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:11-13

How do You Know When it’s Time Make a Move?

The simple answer, when God gives you instructions to do so. There have been times when I wanted to leave a job, and God told me no. There have been other times when I wasn’t looking for a change and God prompted me to move on. It will vary in every situation because God is the only one who knows the timeline for your life. You have to stay close to Him to know when it’s time to move forward.

God is intentional. The bible is filled with stories of God giving His people direction and instructions. He told Noah EXACTLY how to build the arc, advised the Israelites EXACTLY how to make the walls of Jericho fall, and the Disciples where to stay wait to receive the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes God will tell you to take initiative, for example, by applying for a new job. Other times, He’ll bring an opportunity your way. In all situations, be led solely by the Holy Spirit, not your feelings, financial situation, family pressures, or cultural expectations, or anything temporal.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 1:2

I have to add that not every “good” opportunity is a God-ordained opportunity. Our adversary, the devil, will try to distract you with people and things that look good but aren’t good for you. That man or that job may look like everything you want, but you don’t know how it’s going to play out. But God does. He sees the end from the beginning. You’ll save yourself a lot of unnecessary pain and trouble by trusting His no.

What if God’s not giving me any new instructions but I’m ready to move forward?

If you haven’t already, pray about it. If you’re still not receiving an answer, then wait and be faithful where you are. God is strategic; nothing He calls us to do is without a purpose. If you're going to trust Him with your life then you have to trust His timeline.

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. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Sure, you can switch jobs and make more money, but if God hasn’t given you the all-clear to leave, you'll be better off, in the long run, staying where you are. I know your boss is difficult, but this isn’t about your comfort. God’s developing your character and making you into the image of Christ. Be faithful where God's placed you, lean on Him for strength, and learn to pass the tests that come your way. He hasn’t forgotten about you or abandoned you. He sees what’s going on and He working on your behalf, you just can’t see it.

“You’ll never miss out on an opportunity by being obedient to God.”

When God is ready for you to move, you'll know. Doors will close and open accordingly. You'll have peace about the decisions and things will happen by His grace, not your effort. If he stops giving you instruction it’s time to wait. Waiting isn’t passive. Waiting means being faithful to the last thing God told you to do. Be excellent at the job you have now. Serve the people God has surrounded you with as unto the Lord, and look up instead of ahead. In due time, you’ll get there.