Have you ever hesitated to take action because you were waiting for someone else’s approval?
Maybe you’ve had a great idea, a clear calling, or a strong conviction in your heart, but instead of moving forward, you paused waiting for confirmation from people. You wanted validation before giving yourself permission to obey God.
Psalm 118:8 gives us a powerful reminder: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”
This verse doesn’t say that we can’t seek wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14 encourages that), but it does warn us that man’s opinions should never outweigh God’s direction.
3 Ways Seeking People’s Approval Can Hold You Back
1. Delayed Obedience = Missed Opportunities
If God has called you to do something—start a business, write a book, launch a ministry—but you’re waiting for others to validate your decision, you could be delaying your breakthrough.
Biblical Truth: When God told Noah to build the ark, he didn’t wait for his neighbors to co-sign the project. He just obeyed.
Reflection: What’s one thing you’ve been putting off because you’re waiting for confirmation from people?
2. Fear of Rejection Creates Hesitation
Sometimes, we fear what people will think more than we trust what God has spoken. What if they don’t support me? What if I fail?
But here’s the truth: Not everyone will understand your calling and that’s okay. Your job isn’t to be understood. Your job is to be faithful.
Biblical Truth: Jesus didn’t seek the approval of the religious leaders. He followed the Father’s will. And that’s the example we should follow.
Challenge: What decision have you been hesitating on because you’re afraid of how people will react?
3. Comparison Distracts You from Your Unique Assignment
When we constantly check what others are doing, we can start trusting their blueprint more than God’s plan for us.
Comparison says: “Maybe I should do it their way.”
Faith says: “God has given me my own path.”
Biblical Truth: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10
Prayer Prompt: Ask God to show you where comparison has distracted you from your true assignment.
Grow Through It: Take Action Today
Journal Prompt: Where have I been waiting for human validation instead of moving in obedience?
Take the First Step: Write down one action you know God has called you to take. Do it this week.
Share in the Comments: What’s one area where you’re learning to trust God more?
Want more encouragement? Join me inside the Feel, Heal, Grow & Flow Community, where faith-driven women stop waiting for permission and start walking boldly in their calling.
If you’re serious about overcoming people-pleasing and tired of over-explaining, over-committing, and feeling guilty for setting boundaries, take the next step.
Get your copy of my Living for Him, Not Them: Stop People-Pleasing workbook and start breaking free from the cycle of seeking approval. This faith-based workbook will help you shift from living for others’ expectations to embracing God’s approval as your foundation.
You weren’t called to live for the approval of others. It’s time to start living for Him.
