How to Know When God Says You're Ready: Signs and Steps to Move Forward in Faith

Here’s a truth bomb: our definition of ready is totally broken.

We’re here, thinking readiness means having everything in order, every detail planned out, and not a shred of doubt. But let’s be real, that’s not God’s version of ready.

If we keep holding onto this idea of “readiness,” we’ll be sitting in the same spot next year. And the year after that and ultimately not achieve our goals and resolutions. God’s calling us out on this, so let’s look into what it really means to be ready in His eyes.

Our “Ready” vs. God’s “Ready”

First things first: What is our idea of readiness? It’s got to go. We tend to think, “If I’m ready, I’ll feel perfectly qualified, super confident, and have every step mapped out.” Sounds nice, right? Except, it’s not realistic. And more importantly, it’s not God’s way.

Let’s take a look at a few Biblical stories for some “what not to do” reminders. Take Gideon and the Israelites. Here we have two prime examples of people who thought they weren’t ready. Gideon? He was hiding in a winepress, feeling small and scared. The Israelites? They saw giants in the Promised Land and thought, “No way, we’re not ready for this.” But guess what? *God had already called them ready.

When God tells us, “You’re ready,” He doesn’t mean we’re perfectly qualified by our standards. He means He’s with us, and *that’s what qualifies us. So, step one? Just give God your yes and let Him handle the rest.

Get this amazing 2025 planner to stay ahead in 2025 

Step 1: Stop Needing to Feel “Qualified”

Here’s the first reason we keep holding back: we don’t feel qualified. We love looking at other people who are further along, comparing their “Chapter 20” to our “Chapter 1.” We ask, “What credentials do they have? What network do they belong to? What degrees are on their wall?” And then we think, “I’m not ready because I don’t have any of that.”

But here’s the thing: God isn’t asking you to look at your qualifications. He’s asking you to look at Him. When He called Gideon, He didn’t say, “Hey, are you up for this?” He called him a mighty man of valor. God was looking at who He created Gideon to be, not who Gideon felt like at that moment. He’s doing the same with us seeing the potential He’s put in us, not the lack we focus on.

So, stop looking at yourself and start looking at God. The only qualification you need is His yes.

Step 2: Of Course You’re Afraid, Do It Anyway

Next on the list of excuses is fear. Of course, you’re afraid! This journey is brand new. There are giants in the land, and it’s intimidating. Just like the Israelites, you might be thinking, “This path is full of challenges. I can’t handle this.” And you’re right—on your own, you can’t. But with God? Totally different story.

When we look at the opposition, we tend to think it means we’re not ready. But God knows the enemy is there. He knows there are barriers. And He’s already figured out how to handle them. He doesn’t expect us to know all the moves. He just wants our yes.

READ ALSO: 5 Reasons Why You're Procrastinating and How to Overcome Them

Step 3: Being Confused Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Ready

Lastly, let’s talk about confusion. We tell ourselves, “If I don’t have a clear A-to-Z plan, then I’m not ready.” But in God’s world, we don’t get the full plan upfront. It comes after the yes.

Remember Gideon? He didn’t have any experience as a warrior. He was the least qualified person for the job, according to his own view. But God wasn’t asking him to have all the answers. God had the plan. Gideon’s job was to show up and say yes. And that’s all God is asking from us, too. Just say yes, even if you can’t see the whole picture.

Shattering Your Old Definition of Ready

Here’s what I’m getting at: God’s idea of ready looks nothing like ours. We think being ready means being qualified, confident, and perfectly clear on every step. But in God’s hands, ready just means willing. It means we’re ready to trust Him, even when we don’t feel prepared.

God’s calling us to shatter that old definition of ready, to toss out the checklist and stop trying to measure up. We don’t need to move mountains, God’s got that covered. Our job? Give Him the yes and let Him reveal the next steps.

So, if you’re sitting there, feeling afraid or unsure, know this: that does not disqualify you. God is actually saying, “You’re ready.” Ready because He says so.

#Let’s Redefine “Ready”

Let’s make a commitment to stop overthinking and stop waiting to feel qualified. Instead, let’s start tuning in to the quiet whispers and leadings God has already planted in us. When we give Him our yes, He’ll overcome every challenge and handle the details we can’t see.

This is it, ladies God’s calling you to move forward, to become the woman He created you to be. He’s asking for your yes, and He’ll handle the rest.

So, what’s it going to be? Are you ready to redefine “ready” and step into what He has planned?