Waiting on God vs. Avoiding Discomfort
As professionals and entrepreneurs, we often say:
“I’m just waiting on God.”
Waiting on clarity.
Waiting on provision.
Waiting on the right opportunity.
But sometimes — if we’re honest — we’re not waiting on God.
We’re avoiding discomfort.
And knowing the difference can change your career.
Faith Requires Patience. Fear Requires Excuses.
Waiting on God is active.
It looks like:
• Preparing
• Developing skills
• Strengthening character
• Moving when instructed
Avoiding discomfort is passive.
It sounds spiritual, but underneath it’s often:
• Fear of rejection
• Fear of delayed responses
• Fear of being undervalued
• Fear of not being chosen
A Recent Example
Three weeks ago, I sent a proposal to an organization.
Then came the discomfort.
Silence.
Poor communication.
Follow-ups.
Being placed on hold.
Asking the person who gave me the lead to intervene.
Finally, I learned the organization was going through a management transition — and I likely wouldn’t hear anything definitive for another month.
On further analysis, I also realized something important:
Even if they responded, I probably would not receive my desired compensation.
Now here’s the question I had to ask myself:
Was I waiting on God?
Or was I avoiding the discomfort of walking away?
Waiting felt passive.
Discernment required courage.
Sometimes “waiting” is wisdom.
Other times, it’s fear of releasing something that isn’t aligned.
In this case, clarity came through discomfort.
Discomfort Is Often a Diagnostic Tool
Growth rarely feels convenient.
Exposure reduces anxiety.
Action builds confidence.
Silence reveals alignment.
The proposal experience forced me to evaluate:
• Is this opportunity aligned with my value?
• Is the compensation aligned with my expertise?
• Is the communication aligned with my standards?
Discomfort didn’t mean “hold on tighter.”
It meant “pay attention.”
Signs You’re Truly Waiting on God
You’re likely waiting (wisely) if:
• You’re building while you wait
• You’re developing your skills
• You have peace — not paralysis
• You’re obedient in your current assignment
Waiting still involves forward movement.
Signs You’re Avoiding Discomfort
Be honest.
You might be avoiding discomfort if:
• You delay sending proposals
• You hesitate to follow up
• You stay in underpaying situations
• You avoid visibility
• You call fear “discernment”
Avoiding discomfort feels safe.
But it limits growth.
For Entrepreneurs — This Is Personal
You cannot build a business while avoiding:
• Sales conversations
• Rejection
• Delayed responses
• Negotiation
• Walking away from misaligned deals
Comfort rarely comes first.
Clarity often follows action.
A Question That Changed My Perspective
When facing a decision, ask:
If I knew I couldn’t fail, would I move forward?
If the answer is yes — hesitation may be fear-based, not faith-based.
Here’s What I’m Learning
Not every delay is divine.
Not every open door is aligned.
And not every opportunity deserves extended waiting.
Sometimes waiting on God means:
• Trusting redirection
• Releasing low-compensation offers
• Choosing alignment over anxiety
• Moving forward instead of lingering
Final Thought
Professionals and entrepreneurs who grow consistently do this:
Pray.
Prepare.
Act.
Adjust.
Repeat.
The discomfort you feel might not be a sign to stop.
It might be a sign to decide.
If this resonated with you:
Have you ever realized you were calling avoidance “waiting”?
Let’s discuss. 👇
