When people say "I am waiting on God." Are they afraid to take action in their own lives?

When people say "I am waiting on God." Are they afraid to take action in their own lives? I have heard so many people in the church claim that they know the will of God, and what God's will is for my life. How do we know if this is legitimate or someone simply trying to further their own agenda? If we are thankful for what we have, we will never set goals or try to improve ourselves or try to solve various problems within society? How do we know when God truly intervenes?