Devotionals for the Heart: When God calls us to step out on faith

Count the Cost of Waiting
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“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 (ESV)

Have you ever felt a nudge in your spirit to act but decided to wait instead?

Sometimes, waiting can seem wise. We tell ourselves, “I'm being patient” or “I'm waiting on God.” But the truth is, God never told us to wait. While there are times when God calls us to wait, more often than not, He calls us to move forward in faith.

The Bible gives us clear examples of what happens when people either move ahead of God— like Abraham and Sarah—or hesitate when He calls them to action, like Moses. Abraham and Sarah grew tired of waiting for God's promise of a son, so they took matters into their own hands. The result was conflict, confusion, and long-term consequences. On the other hand, Moses hesitated when God called him to lead the Israelites, offering excuses instead of obedience. These examples remind us that the cost of moving ahead of God is high, but so is the cost of waiting when God has called us to act.

If God is calling you to start that ministry, launch that business, or write that book, it’s time to take a step of faith. Delayed obedience is still disobedience. There are consequences for waiting when God has not told you to wait.

First, when you refuse to take action, you risk missing the windows of opportunity God has prepared for you. God's timing is perfect, and often, His opportunities are time sensitive. God’s plan will always be fulfilled, but you could miss the chance to be a part of it. So, take action in faith, even when you don’t know every detail. You don’t have to have all the answers to say yes to God’s call. Pray for wisdom, but don’t let fear of the unknown cause you to procrastinate.

Next, fear often shows up as “waiting on God”. But in reality, it’s disobedience. When God calls you to step forward, fear will try to convince you that you’re not ready, you’re not equipped, or that you’ll fail. Because here’s the thing: The longer you wait, the stronger fear grows. You’ll find more “logical” reasons to not take action, and you’ll remain stuck. This is how comfort zones are created.

So, take one small step. God will provide what you need along the way, not before you begin. Every time you feel scared, remind yourself that courage is not the absence of fear, but action in spite of feeling afraid. Finally, when God calls you to move and you choose to wait, you can also delay your blessing.

Delayed obedience can lead to missed blessings. So, step out in obedience, even if it’s uncomfortable. Ask yourself, “What simple step can I take today in obedience to God?” Take it one step at a time. If God has been calling you to start that business, take the first step by creating a plan. If He’s calling you to serve in ministry, get wise counsel and volunteer. Do something today that moves you closer to obedience. When God calls you to act, don’t wait.

If you’re unsure whether He is calling you to wait or act, pray and read His Word expecting to get an answer. But if you’ve already heard His voice and you’re still “waiting for confirmation” then it’s time to ask yourself if fear is disguising itself as patience. In that case, you’re not waiting on God, He’s waiting on you.

The cost of waiting is too high. Today, January 1 of a brand-new year, is the day to move forward in faith.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me not lean on my own understanding. I ask for your wisdom and guidance as I step out in faith to do all that you have called me to do. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Walk on the Water” by Britt Nicole. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC. It includes Her RICH Coaching where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats. She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in early 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to accomplish the extraordinary by living their purpose, calling, and assignment. He has chosen every woman to fulfill a calling that is hers alone. And if she does not answer that calling, then that work will never be done. Joyce knows that there are people who are waiting for help that only God can give and only God can use His people to help each other. Joyce believes that we are called by God to help each other. She wants to answer that call and inspire others to answer it too so we can be of service to God.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” In addition to being an entrepreneur, Joyce currently serves as the Associate Teaching Director for the Community Bible Study International class in Georgetown, SC.

Joyce makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com