Stop Seeking Man’s Approval and Start Acting on God’s Calling

I’ll never forget the time I first experienced rejection in such a massive and hurtful way.

Without delving too far into the subject, I’ll tell you what happened: I shared my heart with somebody and was shot down.

You see, I was always so shy and scared all the time. I was my older sister’s little shadow. Where she went, I went. Where she didn’t go, you wouldn’t catch me there either.

But this time, both Caleigh (my sister) and I wanted to do the same thing — not because I was copying her, but because I genuinely felt like that’s where God was leading me.

I felt like what her and I were pursuing was God’s will for my life. 

But to be totally frank, I was terrified.

Where God was calling me was completely out of my comfort zone. Where God was calling me was scary, and I didn’t want to pursue it.

But my wonderful support system encouraged me, built me up, and sent me out.

I was nervous but excited to begin pursuing this.

And when I brought this subject up to a leader in my life, I got shot down.

The leader didn’t feel like this was the right fit for me, and discouraged me from pursuing it. 

And I was crushed.

I started to question myself, thinking things like 

What if they’re right? What if I got it wrong?

What if I’m missing it?

I’m not even qualified for this.

I’m so stupid!

How could I think I could ever do anything like this?!

I was ready to quit and give up the whole thing because I didn’t get approval from this one person.

But, again, my wonderful support system encouraged me, built me up, and sent me out.

And I can’t express how thankful I am to this group of people, because guess what?

What I felt God calling me to was where I was supposed to be going.

I’ve had it confirmed to me so many times since, and I’m so thankful that I didn’t let one person’s opinion stop me from acting on God’s call.

And I want to encourage you on that today too:

Never let someone’s opinion stop you from pursuing God’s will for your life.

So often we seek everyone’s approval.

Before we take any action, so many of us start seeking the approval of everyone around us.

But, unfortunately, not everyone is going to give their stamp of approval to you. It’s the harsh reality.

Not everyone is going to believe in you, support you, and encourage you.

But that does not mean it’s wrong.

Sure, I think it’s important to get wise counsel from someone you know you can trust, and ask their opinion.

But always, always pray about these things.

Because if we let the opinions of everyone around us affect our actions, would we do anything in life?

If Noah let everyone’s opinion stop him, he wouldn’t have built the ark.

Nobody believed in David, yet he defeated Goliath and became king.

There are countless examples of this in the Bible, and I’m sure we could list a dozen. 

But the point I want to make this week is this:

When we seek man’s approval and respond accordingly, we risk missing out on what God is calling us to.

Galatians 1:10 says this: “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.”

So examine yourself today and ask: Am I letting people’s opinions and lack of approval stop me from pursuing what God has laid on my heart? Am I wrapped up in trying to please man?

If your answer is yes, then it’s time to stop that in its tracks. 

Get your eyes off man, and focus them on the Lord. Seek Him in all matters, and move forward in what He’s calling you to.

Stop seeking man’s approval and start acting on God’s calling today. 

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Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license. 

An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life. 

Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her. 

You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige