7 mistakes Christians make when seeking God’s will (and how to avoid them)

One of the most common questions I hear from fellow believers is, “How do I know God’s will for my life?”

It’s a heartfelt desire to follow the Lord’s guidance, yet many of us find ourselves anxious or uncertain. We might feel a strong calling in certain moments, only to second-guess ourselves when challenges arise.

Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations in Bible studies and church gatherings about this very issue.

Through these exchanges, I’ve discovered patterns — common ways we unintentionally complicate our quest to discern God’s leading.

Below are 7 mistakes I often see. I’ve made these myself at various points, and I’d like to share how I learned to avoid them (or at least catch myself when I begin to slip).

My hope is that you’ll find encouragement and clarity for your own journey.

1. Interpreting every small sign as a direct message

Sometimes we focus so intensely on finding signs that we end up reading spiritual meaning into everything. It might be a random number on a license plate, a certain color of a bird flying by, or an offhand comment from a friend.

While God can certainly use many ways to speak to our hearts, interpreting every coincidence as a definitive direction can lead to confusion. We risk chasing symbols rather than seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord.

I remember a season when I prayed earnestly for direction about a potential job change. One day, a song lyric seemed to address my exact situation.

Instead of taking it as a gentle nudge or reminder, I clung to it like an undeniable mandate from heaven. In hindsight, I see I should have prayed more, waited, and perhaps sought wise counsel to confirm.

Proverbs 3:5–6 advises us to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly and not lean on our own understanding. That means prayerfully resting in Him rather than forcing meaning into every moment.

A helpful practice:

  • Ask: “Does what I’m interpreting align with scripture?”
  • Consider whether you are seeking multiple confirmations, such as biblical principles, prayer, and Christian counsel.
  • Hold potential signs loosely and keep your heart open to God’s broader guidance.

2. Relying only on feelings or emotions

Emotions are part of how we’re designed, but they don’t always tell the whole story. We can be on fire with passion for a cause one week and then, after a tough day, feel like giving up.

Basing major decisions solely on changing emotions might cause us to miss a steadier, deeper leading from God.

When I was in my twenties, I’d often equate excitement with divine direction. If my heart raced with joy about a potential ministry project, I assumed it must be the Lord’s will.

But over time, especially while working with women’s Bible studies and Christian education, I saw that sometimes God calls us to paths that feel daunting.

We might not feel thrilled in the early stages, yet God’s plan can still be at work.

Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works everything together for good for those who love Him—this includes both the thrilling and the mundane moments of life.

3. Misunderstanding God’s timing

Patience can be incredibly difficult when we’re seeking answers. Often, we expect immediate clarity, forgetting that the Lord’s timetable can be very different from ours.

We might receive a glimpse of direction, then assume the action should happen right away. Or we may give up too soon if we don’t see visible progress.

I often reflect on Isaiah 41:10 during these periods of waiting. It tells us not to fear because God will strengthen and help us. Just because we don’t see visible signs of an answer doesn’t mean God is inactive.

Sometimes He’s preparing us—or others—for the right season.

My friend Tara Whitmore, who is a psychologist and writer, discusses in one of her articles how impatience can lead to insecurity.

I’ve noticed that pairing her practical insights about stress management with spiritual wisdom on waiting can help anchor our hearts in peace, even when the path ahead feels unclear.

4. Not seeking godly counsel

We’re not meant to figure out God’s leading entirely on our own. Scripture tells us in Proverbs 15:22 that plans fail without counsel, but with advisors, they succeed.

Even though we each have a personal relationship with the Lord, community is vital.

There’s wisdom in talking with pastors, Bible study leaders, or trusted Christian friends — those who can pray with us and share insights. Sometimes an outside perspective sheds light on things we overlook.

This fellowship has been a blessing in my own life.

During a period of uncertainty about launching BibleScripture.net, I spoke with mentors at church who confirmed my passion for teaching scripture in a more personal format.

They provided suggestions on practical steps, prayed with me, and shared spiritual wisdom. Their support helped me move forward in faith rather than in fear.

5. Living in fear of making the wrong choice

Some people become so worried about “missing” God’s will that they remain stuck. I’ve been there, hesitant to move forward because of uncertainty.

But God is gracious.

If we’re earnestly seeking Him, He can steer us in the right direction—even if our initial steps aren’t flawless.

One of my favorite verses for this is Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” These words remind me to pause, trust, and release the pressure of figuring everything out perfectly.

We do our best to pray, study scripture, and consult wise people.

Then, in faith, we move forward.

If adjustments are needed, God will guide us. I sometimes share this concept in our Wednesday women’s Bible study: living in fear of making mistakes can paralyze us, but walking in trust allows us to serve with humble confidence.

A few reflection questions:

  • Are there areas in my life where I’m afraid to act because I might be wrong?
  • How can I surrender those fears to God in prayer?
  • Who might offer me reassurance and guidance in a small group or spiritual community?

6. Overlooking consistent obedience in the small things

While chasing big-picture direction—like a new job, a spouse, or a calling to ministry—we can forget the simple, everyday acts of faithfulness.

That might include consistent prayer, spending time in scripture, loving our family well, and serving those around us. We can become so focused on the “big question” that we neglect the day-to-day walk.

I’m reminded of the times I overlook a gentle prompt from the Holy Spirit to extend kindness or patience because I’m too busy asking for clarity on a larger issue.

Yet these small steps shape our hearts for bigger assignments.

As we read in Luke 16:10, those who are faithful with little can be entrusted with much. Each quiet moment of service or prayer is part of building a life aligned with God’s ways.

In one of my earlier posts, I mentioned how feeding Solomon (my golden retriever) and walking him in the morning became a mini-lesson in obedience.

My daily routine of caring for him reminded me that God’s guidance often shines through the simple tasks.

You might have read my post on finding spiritual lessons in everyday chores — I touched on this idea of honoring God through small deeds.

7. Confusing God’s plan with personal ambitions

There’s a subtle line between a healthy passion for our goals and a self-focused agenda that we try to stamp with God’s approval.

We might desire a particular outcome so strongly that we unconsciously convince ourselves it’s ordained by God. This can cause disappointment or even lead us down a path that doesn’t bring the fulfillment we expected.

Personally, I’ve faced this tension in my own ministry dreams.

Whenever I feel a strong pull toward something, I try to ask myself honestly: “Is this genuinely in line with God’s character and His Word, or is it more about my personal aspirations?”

Reflecting on 2 Timothy 1:7 helps me stay grounded: God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-control.

This means we can pause and assess our intentions without fear. It’s liberating to let God shape our desires, even if it means surrendering a dream we once clung to.

 

Closing thoughts

Trusting God’s leading involves more than focusing on a single decision—it involves cultivating a heart that’s open, patient, and discerning every day.

Mistakes are part of growth, but we can learn from them. By avoiding these seven pitfalls, we open ourselves more fully to God’s peace and presence.

  • Remember to look for counsel from trusted friends, pastors, or mentors.
  • Let go of the pressure to have all the answers at once.
  • Stay faithful in small acts of love and service.
  • Reflect on your motives and invite God to shape your desires.

God sees the bigger picture, and He’s more than able to guide us along the way. When doubts arise, remember the comforting words of Matthew 11:28–30—Jesus invites those who are weary to come to Him for rest.

That promise extends to every part of life, including the choices we make each day.

Here’s one key takeaway to carry with you: God’s will is often revealed step by step, and He longs for you to trust His guiding hand in each moment.

What would Jesus say?

Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?

Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.

We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.

Check it out here.

 

Elizabeth Carter

Elizabeth Carter

I'm Elizabeth Carter, the heart behind Biblescripture.net. I’m a theology graduate from Boston College who found her calling in making the Bible's wisdom vibrant and accessible. Alongside my studies, I cultivated a love for peaceful morning walks and deep conversations about faith over coffee. Every day, I'm here to walk with you through scripture, making its teachings not just accessible, but a vibrant part of your daily life. Join me in discovering how these ancient words can transform us in the most beautiful ways.

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